PRC faces Poland next after notching second straight win

Volleyball as China was seeking their second straight victory at the FIVB Olympic qualifying tournament in Tokyo when they faced Venezuela. Four places at the Rio Olympics will go to the top three teams plus the best Asian team. China are currently ranked 19th in the world while Venezuela are 20th, but the South American side already has two losses and one more would see them out of the running.

A couple of supporters out to cheer China on and perhaps their enthusiasm helped as the PRC take the first set easily 25-16 with the big serve.

The second set would be much like the first with China dominating once again. The spike off the block ends it 25-18 and China have a 2 sets to none lead.

The Chinese then wrap up the contest in the third set. On match point, an excellent double block sends the ball cleanly into the open court as China takes the frame 25-15 to complete a rather easy looking 3-0 win. China will face Poland later today while Venezuela's third consecutive defeat all but rules them out of Rio.

North American team fights to first win

Meanwhile, Canada in the red shirts were taking on Australia in search of their first win, and they claim the first set 25-19.

But the Australians fight back in the second and now have set point leading 25-24. A deep spike from the Canadians but the Aussies handle it and then send it of the Canadian blockers to win the frame and tie it up.

The men from 'down under' then go ahead 2-1 with a 25-20 win in the third when Canada serves long.

The fourth set would be extremely tight, but finally a huge serve gives Canada the frame 29-27 to make it 2 sets apiece.

And the Canucks would carry that momentum into the decider. This massive spike on match point ends it 15-11 and Canada gets their first win with a five set battle.

Poles top the standings and will meet China next

Now we've got Poland receiving against Japan on set point in the first, and the Poles take it 25-22 when the attack goes long.

Poland would then cruise through the second set and are now leading 24-16. A lobbed attack from Japan allows the Poles to set up, and the spike goes off the blocker and out to seal the frame.

The third set would be the closest but with the same result as Poland wins it 25-23 for a straight sets victory and now lead the standings with three wins in a row.