CHIBA, Japan, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran beat host nation Japan in straight sets to defend its title at the Asian Men's Volleyball Championship here on Sunday.
In front of some 3,000 local fans at the Chiba Port Arena, Iran won the match 27-25, 25-22, 31-29 to claim the title for the fourth time in 10 years, after 2011, 2013 and 2019.
China, who lost to Iran in the semifinals, breezed past Chinese Taipei 25-17, 25-16 and 25-17 to finish third, taking sweet revenge for its defeat at the last Asian Championship two years ago when the two sides fought for fifth place.
The top two finishers of the tournament have qualified for the World Championship in Russia next year. China also earned a place in the 24-team tournament after climbing to 22nd in the world rankings with the victory.
"I am satisfied with the result but I do believe we can do better at next year's Asian Games," said China captain Jiang Chuan, who was competing in his third Asian Championship. Enditem
