TOKYO, May 26: World champions Russia beat hosts Japan 25-22, 25-20, 25-20 on Saturday in a women’s volleyball Olympic qualifying tournament to secure a berth at the London Games.

Ekaterina Gamova had a game-high 25 kills as Russia improved to 18 points with a perfect 6-0 record. Japan dropped to 4-2 and has 11 points.

The result ensures that Russia will finish among the top three teams who qualify for the London Olympics. The best Asian team not among the medallists also gets a spot.

Second-placed South Korea improved to 12 points and moved a step closer to qualifying after a 25-18, 25-22, 25-20 win over Thailand. The South Korean women only need to defeat Peru on Sunday to ensure their place at the Games.

Serbia are also on 12 points after beating Peru 25-16, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21. The eight-nation tournament concludes on Sunday. Japan have 11 points in fourth place, followed by Thailand in fifth on nine points.

Results:

Serbia bt Peru 3-1 (25-16, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21); Cuba bt Taiwan 3-0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-21); South Korea bt Thailand 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-20); Russia bt Japan 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20).—Agencies