TOKYO, June 1: Three-time world champions Italy powered past South Korea on Sunday to remain unbeaten along with Australia and Algeria in the final qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics.

The Italians, who saved 11 match points to beat Japan on Saturday, coasted to a straightforward 25-18, 25-17, 25-21 victory over the Koreans for a second straight win in the eight-team round robin competition.

Asian champions Australia whipped Argentina 25-16, 25-20, 25-18, while Algeria breezed past Thailand 25-23, 25-21, 25-15, also for their second straight wins.

In other action, Japan bounced back from Saturday’s shock defeat to beat Iran 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22.

Japan and Argentina trail the top three teams with a 1-1 win-loss record ahead of winless Iran, South Korea and Thailand.

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

Italy’s coach Andrea Anastasi said his players never lost their concentration during the 64-minute match but was cautious about the next game against Australia, saying: “I’m not confident to beat them.

“The match against Australia will be a decisive one. The winners will move closer to the victory of this tournament. We must play cautiously and think nothing but to win it,” said Anastasi.

South Korean coach Yoo Jung-Tak said his players were mentally exhausted because of their loss to Argentina on Saturday and that it was now crucial to beat their Asian rivals to keep their Olympic hopes alive.

“I used all the players today in preparation for the next match against Japan on Tuesday. I want to beat them at any cost,” said Yoo.

Korean captain Choi Tae-Woong said: “Before the tournament, we expected to have one win and one defeat. Unfortunately, we lost to Argentina yesterday. But we still have the chance to qualify by beating Asian teams.”

Paul Carroll was Australia’s top scorer for the second match in a row, with 22 points.

“Obviously, I’m very pleased,” said Australian captain Benjamin Hardy, whose team belongs to the Asian Confederation.—AFP