TOKYO, May 26: France's volleyball team put themselves in pole position for an Olympic berth here on Wednesday after defeating China in a top-of-the-table qualifying battle.

The French spikers overcame a nervous spell in the second set before hanging on for a hard fought 25-21, 38-36, 25-21 victory in one hour 24 minutes. France stretched their unbeaten streak to four matches, giving the Asian silver medallists their first defeat in four games in the eight-nation round robin competition.

Australia, fourth in the Asian championships last year, improved their record to 3-1 after beating Canada 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, leaving Canada struggling on two wins and two defeats.

Iran tied the record with Canada at 2-2, beating Japan 25-22, 27-29, 18-25, 25-21, 15-12, while Asian champions South Korea gained their first win beating winless Algeria 25-21, 25-15, 25-19 to be tied with Japan at 1-3. The winners of the tournament and the top-finishing Asian country will qualify for the Athens Olympics. -AFP