Press release

Tokyo, Japan, May 23, 2012 – World champions Russia remain the only undefeated team after the conclusion of Day Four of the FIVB World Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Wednesday. Four tickets to the London Games are available in the eight-team competition.

The Russians are seated at the top of the standings with a 4-0 win-loss record and the maximum 12 points, following the first defeat of hosts Japan to the hands of Korea. Japan and Serbia both have 3-1 record, followed by Korea and Thailand both with 2-2 mark.

Since the event doubles as Asian Continental Olympic Qualifier, the top three teams at the end of the competition plus the best Asian side not among the medalists will book tickets for the Games at the British capital. Teams already qualified to London are Italy, United States and China as the top-three ranked at the FIVB World Cup, Algeria, Dominican Republic, Turkey and Brazil as winners of their respective continental qualifiers and hosts Great Britain.

Russia racked up their fourth straight win with a straight sets (25-17, 25-16, 25-9) triumph over Peru.

“We didn't lose concentration and we played well every set and did our work,” Russia’s coach Sergey Ovchinnikov said. “Of course we are happy to be 4-0 and will try to get the victory in the next matches.”

Korea downed Japan in four action-packed sets (25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 25-13). Japan simply had no answer for the juggernaut Kim Yeon-Koung who racked a tournament-high 34 points.

“We almost have the ticket to the London Games,” Korea’s coach Kim Hyung Sil said. “We learned from our losses to Russia and Serbia and that made a difference in this match.”

Serbia outmuscled Cuba in straight sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-19) to raise their win-loss mark to 3-1 while Cuba dropped to 1-3.

“We had a good game tactically,” Serbia’s Zoran Terzic said. “Cuba is a good team with a good attack. We made good blocks and attacks and this is why we won today.”

Thailand rolled past Chinese Taipei in straight sets (25-16, 25-18, 25-20) to even their record at 2-2. Team Chinese Taipei fell to 0-4.

“The Olympics are a dream for our team,” Thailand’s coach Radchatagriengkai expressed. “We have been working four years for this. We don't have height, but we have been working on technique, speed and strength.”