TOKYO, Dec 1: Brazil outgunned Russia at the men’s volleyball World Cup on Saturday, moving a step closer to qualifying for the Beijing Olympics. Captain Giba scored 14 points to lead the Brazilians to the 25-22, 25-22, 25-18 win over Russia and a record of 9-1.

The top three teams in the 12-nation tournament will secure places in next summer’s Olympics.

Brazil face hosts Japan in their final match on Sunday. Russia and the US both stand at 8-2 and play each other on Sunday.

Earlier, the US defeated Argentina in straight sets. William Priddy scored 17 points and Gabe Gardner added 13 to lead the US to a 25-16, 25-19, 25-18 win over Argentina (5-5). Ryan Miller had 12 blocks for the US team.In other matches, Egypt defeated Tunisia in four sets while Spain blanked South Korea 3-0.

Results:

Egypt bt Tunisia 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 25-22); US bt Argentina 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-18); Spain bt South Korea 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 28-26); Brazil bt Russia 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18); Australia bt Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-21, 15-25, 25-18, 25-21); Bulgaria bt Japan 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-20).—AFP