KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Japan put on display its sheer power in the deciding set to beat Italy, 25-20, 21-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-13, and stay unbeaten in the Quezon City leg of the Volleyball Nations League Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair in the deciding set until Yuji Nishida produced a powerful spike that put the Japanese at match point before Ran Takahashi delivered the game-sealing block on Yuri Romano.     

The triumph sent Japan to a four-way tie in first place along with Tokyo Olympics gold medalist France, World No. 1 Poland and the United States at 4-1.

Since it was a five-set victory, Japan secured only two points, but for Nishida, a win is a win.

In the other game, Argentina overcame a feisty China challenge in carving out a 25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22 victory.

The Argentineans came through with hard smashes in destroying the Chinese on the way to their second win in five outings for seven points.

Bruno Lima was almost unstoppable as he unloaded 25 points off 20 kills, three blocks and two aces, while Agustin Loser and Ezequiel Palacios combined for 24 spikes to finish with 13 points apiece.

Luciano Vicentin also carried the fight for Argentina with 11 points highlighted by 10 attacks.

After a strong opening set, China failed to sustain its charge particularly in the pivotal moments to fall to its fifth defeat against two victories.

It was actually China’s first appearance for the week after forfeiting its match against France due to health reasons and winning by default of Germany last Thursday.

Zhang Jingyin and Wang Jingyi scored 18 and 14 points in a failed effort for the Chinese.

The event has Mikasa, Ganten, Gerflor and Senoh as global sponsors and global suppliers, PLDT Home as presenting partner, Rebisco, MG Philippines, TOP Speed Insurance, Asics and Maynilad as official sponsors, Havas Ortega, The Look Company, Summit Outdoor Media, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marketing Media Ventures, Strong Media Advertising Solutions. 91.5 Win Radio, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, City of Taguig, Quezon City and F2 Logistics as official suppliers.