Kunshan, China, June 17, 2017 - Japan went for the second tie-breaker in Kunshan, this time winning 3-2 (22-25, 25-12, 22-25, 25-19, 15-12) against Turkey. While
Yuki Ishikawa was the best scorer for team Japan, it was
Masahiro Yanagida, who troubled opponents from the service line.
Ishikawa scored most points for Japan with 21 in spike and 1 block, while
Masahiro Yanagida scored 5 aces alongside 1 block and 12 points in spike. On Turkey's side
Serhat Coskun scored 26 points, showing greta feeling in block today with 4 point sin this element following by 22 spikes.
Mert Matic was another Turkish player with great block feeling, scoring 4 points as well as 14 spikes.
The first set started close with several service errors from the teams. Japan took the lead 8-6 and 10-7 before Turkey called a timeout and levelled at a 11-11. Both sides traded points and tie the score repeatedly until Japan led 16-15. Turkey reversed again with three points ahead (19-16). Japan came back by emphatic spikes and taking advantage of their opponent’s fault. Turkey finished the opening set 25-23.
Japan took control of the second set as they rushed to a 3-0 and take the lead all the way from 8-3 to 16-8. Turkey managed to narrow the score but failed to rebuild the moral with consecutive spike and service errors. Japan showed no mercy by unleashing powerful spikes to push the score to 24-11. Despite saved one set ball, Turkey lose the set 12-25.
Turkey rushed to a 3-0 and 8-6 lead, Yuki Ishikawa of Japan smashed a convincing spike and levelled at 13-13. Japan reversed to16-15. Masashi Kuriyama and Yuri Ishikawa’s service error hindered Japan’s way to widen the score. Ri Haku and Otake Issei contributed a double block, the score came to 21-21. Asano Hiroaki of Japan earned the set point followed by Gokhan Gokgoz closing the third set 25-23.
The fourth set witnessed a roller coaster affair. Turkey led 6-3 at the very beginning of the fourth set, Masashi Yanagida of Japan hit an thundering ace and leveled the score 9-9. Coskun Serhat of Turkey spiked through a triple block and made it 12-10. While Japan gradually took over the leading position 20-17 with consecutive convincing attacks. Japan came back the game 25-19 with two aces.
Japan kept the momentum by unleashing heavy spikes in a row. Turkey had some difficulties with services in contrast with Japan, who delivered powerful aces then. Yuki Ishikawa finished the tie-breaker and the match 15-12.
Matches on Sunday