TOKYO, June 4: Three-time former world champions Italy saw off Algeria in the men’s volleyball final qualifying round on Wednesday, moving closer to a ticket to the Beijing Olympics in August.

The Italians, who had to save 11 match points against Japan on the first day, needed less effort to score a 25-15, 25-21, 25-20 victory to remain unbeaten with four straight wins in the eight-team round robin competition.

After four matches, Japan and Argentina trail top-of-the-table Italy with 3-1 won-loss records, followed by Australia and Algeria with 2-2. South Korea and Iran are both 1-3 while Thailand remain winless.

The winners and the best-placed Asian team will qualify for the Olympics.

Also on Wednesday, Japan outclassed Thailand 25-23, 25-14, 25-16, while Argentina came from behind to beat Iran 25-27, 27-25, 25-19, 25-9.

South Korea kept their Olympic hopes alive by edging past Australia 27-29, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 in just under two hours for their first win.

The Korean second-choice setter Kwon Young-Min, playing his first match in the tournament, was crucial for his side, allowing attacker Who In-Jung to rack up 21 points.—AFP