While Halep’s slump from a set and 3-0 up against Jelena Ostapenko at Roland Garros was in the full glare of the world’s media, Stephens’s own professional crisis was more private but just as devastating.

A foot injury — and then surgery — had put her career on ice for 10 months and her ranking had nosedived to 323 in the world.

However, fast forward a year and Stephens is a US Open champion, is about to reach at least the number four ranking in the world and on Saturday will take on Halep in the 2018 French Open final.

The 25-year-old can be forgiven if she pinches herself.

She won the US Open in September on a ranking of 83 and just 69 days after returning to the tour following her near year-long absence.

Six weeks earlier, her ranking had been in the twilight zone at 957.

“I think I worked really hard coming back and getting in the gym, and when I was chubby trying to get skinny and when I was out of shape getting back in shape,” she said after seeing off close friend Madison Keys in the semi-finals on Thursday.

“I have recognised more things I have needed to do. So when I have gotten in shape and done all the things that my coach asked me to do, I just put it into the universe, like, God, look what I did, help a sister out!”

Stephens’s run to Saturday’s final comes after a roller-coaster year since her US Open stunner.

After New York, she lost her next eight matches, a run encompassing the Asian swing of late 2017 and the early exchanges of 2018, including a demoralising first round exit at the Australian Open.

In fact, her next match win after the US Open did not come until Acapulco in February.

Not to be one who does things half-heartedly, Stephens then captured her first Premier level title at the Miami Open and won both her singles in the United States’ Fed Cup semi-final victory over France.

“I think life came at me fast after the US Open and just kind of regrouping and getting myself together, which I did well, and I started playing better and better,” she explained.

“Then obviously had a good result in Miami and Fed Cup. Like, I have just slowly kind of gained momentum. There is no formula.

“There’s no right or wrong. It’s just each person is individual and does it on their own time.”

Stephens had never previously got past the fourth round in Paris before this year.

Indeed, her Roland Garros campaign this year came close to ending in the third round when Italy’s Camila Giorgi twice served for the match and was within two points of winning.

No surprise then that the charismatic Stephens is not getting too far ahead of herself for Saturday’s final against two-time runner-up and world number one Halep.

“I just do what I have been doing all the days, really. Nothing really too special,” said the American.

“I’ll come here Friday, have a hit, have lunch here, go to my room, watch TV, wait till dinner, have dinner, go to sleep. It’s pretty boring.

“I wish there was something exciting to tell you, but it’s really not.”

Looking to bounce back from the disappointment of losing the Champions League final last month, Liverpool have already bolstered their midfield options for next season with the arrivals of Fabinho from Monaco and Naby Keita, in a deal agreed with RB Leipzig last summer.

Fekir, who can play in both midfield or attack, is set to fill the creative void left by the January departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

The 24-year-old is part of the France squad for the upcoming World Cup.

And Liverpool are keen to close the deal before Fekir jets off to Russia following France’s final warm-up friendly against the United States on Saturday.

“Talks between the clubs could conclude on Friday about a deal that may amount to 60m euros,” reported the BBC.

Fekir scored 24 goals this season to help qualify Lyon for the Champions League by finishing third in Ligue 1.

Liverpool, though, have much higher ambitions after missing out on a sixth European Cup success by losing 3-1 in the Champions League final to Real Madrid on May 26.

As well as going one step further in the Champions League, Liverpool are aiming to close the gap on Premier League champions Manchester City to end a 28-year wait since they last won the English title.

The wing spiker scored a game-high 29 points as Japan claimed a memorable 3-2 (19-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-19, 22-20) triumph on Thursday to close out phase four action in stunning style. Kurogo was well supported by Yuki Ishii (17 points), while a gallant Thailand was led by Onuma Sittirak’s 22 points and Ajcharaporn Kongyot tried hard with 19 points.

It was a memorable result for Japan, who started slowly and looked in deep trouble down by five points late in the fourth before forcing a deciding set. They saved two match points in the fifth before finally closing it out on their sixth attempt to claim a crucial sixth victory in the VNL.

Thailand started on fire before fading as the match wore on but never wavered and provided plenty of cheer for their boisterous fans. However, the heartbreak meant Thailand finished winless over their six-match home stand and continued a losing run against Japan.

Thailand have won just twice in the VNL to be mired near the bottom of the overall rankings but were highly competitive in phase four. The hosts were keen to come out of the gate fast after notoriously slow starts previously and Chatchu-On Moksri got her team off perfectly with a thundering spike to spark the local fans into a frenzy.

However, Japan showcased their own aerial prowess through the leaping Kurogo as the energetic teams traded points in a pulsating opening. Both renowned speedy teams showcased their quickness around the court but the menacing serving of Onuma, including one 99 km/h thunderbolt, proved unplayable and fuelled Thailand to a four-point lead at the first technical timeout.

Buoyed by their frenetic crowd and furious sets, Thailand were on a roll with Chatchu-On and Ajcharaporn dominating in the air as the hosts stormed ahead 15-7. A rattled Japan were unable to stymie the unrelenting attacks as their renowned defence was taken apart by the systematic precision of their increasingly confident opponents.

Thailand were mixing flair with trademark grit highlighted by winning a memorable 28-second exchange punctuated by a towering block from Onuma, who could do no wrong in the opening stanza. Soon enough, Thailand deservedly closed out a dominant stanza to win the opening set for the first time during their fruitless home stand.

Shaking off a lacklustre opening, Japan played with more intent to start the second set to open up an early three-point buffer and momentarily silence the rabid fans. But Chatchu-On quickly got Thailand back into the contest through stellar serve as Onuma showcased her range of skills with deft touch at the net as points were traded between the teams.

Cunning play by Kanami Tashiro at the net followed by a cross court spike by Ishii ensured Japan were able to match Thailand’s high-voltage play as the match tightened during a see-sawing stretch. Four straight points from Thailand restored their advantage heightened by another unplayable brute of a serve from Onuma, who again reached speeds of almost 100km/h.

Well executed sets from Thailand ensured they could breach Japan’s best defensive efforts and they claimed the stanza after winning a momentous rally as bedlam ensured from the delighted fans.

With their backs against the wall, Japan raced out to an early lead through Tashiro’s strong serve as the visitors attempted to play more aggressively.

An inspired Kurogo lifted her output as Thailand found themselves on the back foot for the first time in the contest as evidenced by Chatchu-On, who played sluggishly to find herself substituted mid-set. A rejuvenated Japan won seven straight points during a dominant stretch to stun the local faithful as Thailand looked more like the team languishing near the foot of the overall standings.

Just when it appeared to be a rout, Thailand dug deep to claw back some respectability but Japan eventually closed it out through a thumping Nana Iwasaka spike as the match was delicately poised.

There was a swirl of anticipation as both teams played cautiously in the fourth set knowing the match had reached a pivotal juncture and Hattaya stepped up with clutch serving to help Thailand gain an 8-5 lead at the first technical timeout. A third straight ace from Hattaya forced a desperate Japan coach Kumi Nakada to call timeout knowing her team was up against it.

A gritty Japan fought back impressively as the standard of play reached new heights and the visitors strung together five straight points with Tashiro dominating on serve. Japan played with more composure and forced a fifth and deciding set after stunningly winning 10 of the final 11 points.

With all to play for, there was unwavering intensity as the teams traded points. Players were putting their bodies on the line – none more so than Risa Shinnabe who copped a blow to the face from a brutal Pleumjit Thinkaow blow. Some brilliant plays from Hattaya and Chatchu-On gave Thailand some breathing space at 10-8 but Kurogo reponded with her own magic as the match continued to be in the balance at 11-11.

A sensational kill block restored Thailand’s lead followed by a back court bullet spike from Onuma as the hosts could smell a belated victory. However, Japan had other ideas winning an astounding 29-second rally to tie the scores at 13 apiece and amid the most astounding drama both teams failed to convert numerous match points.

Japan had a slew of chances but repeatedly kept stumbling as the marathon match continued until they finally claimed victory on their six attempt to trigger scenes of jubilation – contrasted by pin drop silence from the devastated crowd.

In phase five action next week, Japan travels to Walbrzych and will face hosts Poland, the Dominican Republic and Russia, while Thailand will journey to Eboli to play hosts Italy, Brazil and Belgium.

THAMMASAT University law student Natipong Srithong carded an unblemished 64 to grab a one-stroke lead over countrymen Jazz Janewattanananond, Sarit Suwannarut and India’s Chikkaranggappa S after round one of the US$300,000 Thailand Open at the Thai Country Club in Chachoengsao yesterday.

Despite his practice time limited by having to sit his final law exam last Saturday, the 24-year-old played a pressure-free round with three birdies each on the front and back nines to surge atop the leader board of the first Asian Tour event in Thailand this year.

“I’m surprised I played so well as I have been busy with my exams. I’m so happy now as I have finally graduated,” said the Nakhon Pathom-based player, who has just completed six years of study to earn his Bachelor’s degree.

A member of the 2013 SEA Games gold medal-winning team, Natipong opted to follow a family tradition by studying law at the prestigious university. He carried around textbooks on tour to keep up with his studies – which helps explain why he is still looking for his first title since winning the Asian Tour in Manila in 2015.

“I didn’t start the year well but then I finished second in China [the Asia-Pacific Classic in Zhengzhou last month] and got a confidence boost. Now that my school life is over, I can concentrate fully on golf,” added Natipong, who is determined to pursue a career out on the fairways rather than in court.

“This is still too early for me to think of winning,” he said of yesterday’s round. “I need to stick to my game plan by hitting the fairways and the greens.”

Jazz Janewattananond 

Jazz, 22, from Hua Hin, also had a flawless round and is looking for his second Tour win after last year’s Bangladesh Open.

“The course is a bit more difficult than last year with firmer greens, the roughs are up and it’s windy,” said the Thai young gun, one of several strong local contenders this week.

Chikkaranggappa, an eight-time tour winner, surged into contention with a brilliant back nine, shooting five birdies before finishing with a bogey that saw him settle at joint second. Thai teenager Sarit, who turned pro only a few months ago, also had six birdies against one bogey.

Nattawat Suvajanakorn and Poom Saksansin, Natipong’s teammates in the 2013 Myanmar SEA Games, followed a stroke behind on 6ุุ6 for tied fifth in a group including Australia’s Adam Blyth and Terry Pilkadaris.

“I had a good feeling today. I hit plenty of fairways and greens to put myself in good positions to shoot low scores. I hope to maintain this form tomorrow,” said Nattawat, whose best so far is a top-40 finish in this year’s Bangladesh Open.

Defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan opened his campaign with a 69.

The world number one was much-improved under the sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier after finding life difficult in damp conditions the night before, finally seeing off dogged Argentinian Schwartzman on his fourth match point.

Nadal will face Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro who wept courtside after downing third seed Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.

“It was a very difficult match, Diego is a good friend and a good player,” said the 16-time Grand Slam champion.

“After the stop for rain I played more aggressively and I’m very happy to be back in the semi-finals here.”

It is the 11th time the 32-year-old Spaniard has reached the French Open last four, becoming only the third man in history to achieve the feat at a Grand Slam tournament, after Jimmy Connors at the US Open and Roger Federer at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

Nadal returned to the court midway through serving to level the match after bad weather ended play early on Wednesday evening.

The struggles he faced on Wednesday in losing a set at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 were put to bed during the second day of the match, as he broke 11th seed Schwartzman’s serve four times in the final two sets to ease through.

The injured-plagued former US Open champion Del Potro  battled through in three hours and 50 minutes after the match had been delayed by rain on Wednesday to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the second time, but first in nine years.

“It’s tough to speak now,” said an emotional Del Potro.

“I’ve been a long time without feeling good with my body. I had surgery three times on my wrist and I was close to quitting this sport. I don’t have words to explain what this means to me and my team.”

The fifth seed has now beaten Cilic eight times in a row, but on Friday he will face arguably the toughest test in tennis when he takes on 10-time champion Nadal for a place in the final.

The Turks collected their ninth win from 12 matches in the league, winning 25-19 25-21 25-23 and boosting their chances of being among the top five teams who will qualify for the final with host China in Nanjing at the end of June. Turkey began by blitzing to a 15-10 lead on fast play and aggressive smashes before the Koreans fought gamely back to 16-14. But the Korean revolution was halted by a series of solid blocks before the guillotine came down with a powerful spike from Seyma Ercan.

The second set saw superior teamwork again power Turkey ahead, with South Korea briefly threatening an insurrection at 21-23 only to be hit by smashes from Zehra Gunes and Cansu Ozbay that scored a 2-0 lead.

Backs against the wall, the Koreans raised their game to lead at 14-8 but could find no answer when Turkey woke up to the danger with a surge that took them ahead 17-16. South Korea dumped their serve into the net to hand Turkey match point at 24-22, which Eda Erdem Dundar gleefully pounced on to blast a powerful smash that ended the contest after one hour and 35 minutes.

A fifth-placed finish just a year after winning the league in Conte’s first season in charge meant many expected the FA Cup final to be the Italian’s last match in charge, despite beating Manchester United 1-0 to end the season on a high.

However, more than two weeks on, no decision has been made on Conte’s future, with speculation that former Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc and Maurizio Sarri, who was recently replaced by Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli, have been lined up as possible replacements.

The apparent drift has been linked to a reported delay in the renewal of a British visa for Russian billionaire Abramovich, who has bankrolled Chelsea’s success since taking over the club in 2003.

It follows a diplomatic crisis between London and Moscow over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent and calls from some for sanctions that would hurt super-rich Russians sheltering their wealth in London.

Abramovich has been granted Israeli citizenship and taken up residence there, according to Israel’s ambassador to Russia.

Chelsea announced last week they had shelved plans for a new 60,000-seater redevelopment of Stamford Bridge due to an “unfavourable investment climate”.

– Cost-cutting –

Since Abramovich’s takeover, Chelsea have been England’s most successful club, winning five Premier League titles, a first-ever Champions League, the Europa League and five FA Cups in 15 years.

However, where they could once outspend their competition, Chelsea have been gazumped by Manchester City’s Abu-Dhabi backed wealth and Manchester United’s booming commercial revenues.

A lack of resources and control over what is spent on the squad have been Conte’s consistent complaints in a season marked by clashes with the club’s hierarchy.

And cost-cutting is at the heart of the uncertainty engulfing Chelsea at the moment, with the West Londoners reluctant to pay Conte a reported £9 million ($12 million, 10 million euros) in compensation for the final year of his contract.

The same goes for attempts to lure Sarri to Stamford Bridge. Despite Ancelotti’s appointment, Sarri has not been released from his contract, which runs until 2020, meaning Chelsea would need to meet his eight-million-euro release clause unless a deal can be struck with Napoli.

Blanc has emerged as a leading candidate should Conte be dismissed. The former French captain has been unemployed since leaving Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.

French sports daily L’Equipe said on Wednesday that Blanc was in prime position for the Stamford Bridge job after meeting with Abramovich’s close aide and Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.

France and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud was aware of the speculation surrounding former France coach Blanc, but told AFP: “I hear what’s being said, but it’s all just speculation, we don’t know anything. We’ll see.

“He (Blanc) knows me. But it was Antonio Conte who brought me to Chelsea. Antonio Conte is still under contract, so I wouldn’t allow myself to talk about a new coach.”

However, whoever takes charge next season faces a huge task just to get Chelsea back into the Champions League, let alone making the Blues champions of England once again.

Chelsea finished 30 points behind Manchester City last season. Among the chasing pack, Manchester United have already signed Brazilian international midfielder Fred and Champions League finalists Liverpool have bolstered their midfield options for next season with Fabinho and Naby Keita.

Tottenham will move into a new 62,000-capacity new stadium next season having tied down Mauricio Pochettino to a new five-year contract, while even Arsenal have a headstart on Chelsea for their season’s planning, having hired Unai Emery as Arsene Wenger’s successor at the Emirates.

World number one Nadal lost his first set at Roland Garros in three years, and when bad weather first interrupted the match the 10-time champion was in serious trouble with Schwartzman up a break in the second.

The players briefly returned to the court, giving the 32-year-old Spaniard enough time to reel off three straight games, but the rains came again for a second and final time when he was serving for the set.

The match will resume on Thursday with Schwartzman leading 6-4, 3-5 (15-30).

The winner of the match will play either third seed Marin Cilic or Schwartzman’s compatriot Juan Martin del Potro.

Their last-eight match was level at 6-6 (5/5) in a first-set tie-break on Court Suzanne Lenglen after Del Potro had earlier missed five break points.

Nadal had won 37 consecutive sets at Roland Garros since his 2015 quarter-final defeat by Novak Djokovic, but dropped serve three times to the enterprising Schwartzman in an exciting opener.

The 25-year-old took his third set point with a rasping forehand up the line, after being made to wait when a spectator fell ill in the stands.

Nadal made 14 unforced errors and struck just four winners in a poor first set, before having both of his wrists strapped by the trainer.

Schwartzman, who had never even reached a Grand Slam quarter-final until last year’s US Open, broke first in the second set as Nadal uncharacteristically blew a 40-15 lead, capped by two wild forehands.

The Court Philippe Chatrier, which was half-full during Muguruza’s dismantling of Sharapova earlier in the afternoon, was packed with a crowd living every point when rain started to fall.

Play continued though, with the set following a similar pattern to the first, as Nadal broke back before dropping his serve to 15.

The players were forced off the court for 40 minutes, but when they returned Nadal levelled for 3-3 and let out a trademark roar of ‘vamos’.

The Spaniard, who won five straight games after a rain delay to beat Alexander Zverev in the Rome Masters final last month, managed three in a row this time before play was ended for the day.

– Muguruza crushes Sharapova –

Muguruza condemned Sharapova to her heaviest Grand Slam defeat in more than six years and will face top seed Simona Halep for a place in the final against either Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys.

The Spanish third seed, who was the champion in Paris in 2016, swept aside the Russian 6-2, 6-1 in just an hour and 10 minutes.

Her semi-final with Halep will also decide the world number one spot next week.

Current number one Halep made the semi-finals for the third time by battling past Germany’s Angelique Kerber 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-2.

Sharapova, playing at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015, suffered her most one-sided defeat at the Slams since a 6-3, 6-0 loss to Victoria Azarenka in the 2012 Australian Open final.

“I am very pleased to be in another final in Paris,” said Muguruza who has yet to drop a set in the tournament and claimed her first win over Sharapova in four meetings.

“I was up against a great player so I had to make sure I brought my best tennis.”

Sharapova made 27 unforced errors, was broken six times and served six double faults in only her fifth loss from 25 Grand Slam quarter-finals.

“To have had the victories that I have had, to have the results that I have, obviously moving a step in the right direction,” said the five-time Grand Slam champion who had made the last-eight in Madrid and semis in Rome in the run-up to Paris.

“But today was certainly not one of those steps.”

Two-time runner-up Halep came back from a set down for the second time in the tournament to see off 12th seed Kerber, who was bidding to become the first German woman in the last-four since Steffi Graf in 1999.

Coming off the bench, the wing spiker gave Turkey a lift as they claimed a 3-1 (25-20, 30-28, 18-25, 25-19) win but were pushed to the limit by the brave hosts. Thailand have lost all five matches in the on-going home swings and fall to No 15 in the 16-team League standings.

Fending off a brave challenge from the home side, Turkey overcame a third set wobble as their innate firepower eventually proved too much for Thailand, who have won just twice in the VNL to sit 14th on the overall rankings.

With two four-set wins in the fourth phase, Turkey move to 8-3 and are in position to reach the final round.

Turkey made a spectacular start through the high-flying Boz who hammered home an emphatic kill to immediately quiet the home crowd. With Gunes serving with menace, Turkey stormed to an early lead with the first four points as they looked a class above their opponents who are ranked 16th in the world.

Thailand tried gamely as evidenced by a desperate dive from Moksri into the bench but Erdem’s deft touch at the net ensured Turkey enjoyed a healthy 8-2 edge at the first technical timeout. In an effort to take the crowd out of the contest early, Turkey looked sharp and on their game but Thailand showcased tenaciousness to cut into the deficit.

With a superior height advantage, Turkey were hard to pass at the net but Thailand’s quickness and sets around the court ensured they were more than competitive as the standard lifted to thrill the near capacity crowd. Severely challenged, Baladin provided a spark off the bench with a couple of thunderous kills and Turkey, who never trailed, rediscovered their groove to eventually close out the first set in 24 minutes.

Turkey continued to dictate in the second set with cunning serving from Gunes troubling Thailand who once again were in an early hole. Just like the first set, Thailand clawed back into the contest to level the scores but Erdem was proving the difference with an imposing spike followed by consecutive unreturnable serves to restore Turkey’s dominance.

However, Turkey were gifting points through several service errors ensuring the match remained competitive but Thailand could not string together points. A terrific stuff block from Pleumjit reduced the margin to just one point as scores see-sawed during a tense passage of play but, frustratingly for their fans, Thailand could not nudge ahead.

Turkey’s formidable size at the net resisted Thailand’s artillery but the plucky hosts finally broke through after winning a heart stopping rally to lead 20-19 – their first advantage of the match.

Thailand were on the brink of claiming the set until a thunderous spike from Gunes levelled scores at 24 apiece and Baladin did likewise moments later to save another set point. However, Thailand would not be denied and saved three set points but Turkey eventually pulled it out on the fourth attempt much to the disbelief of the rabid crowd.

In a bid to finish off the match in straight sets, Turkey – in trademark fashion – started the third set with gusto to skip out to a quick three-point lead. As had become a trend, Thailand sparked back into life rattling off three straight points punctuated by a booming spike from Pleumjit as the hosts took an 8-7 edge at the first technical timeout.

For the first time Thailand led by more than one point when a leaping Pleumjit hammered a spike to give her side an 11-9 edge. In a mirror image of the second stanza, points were see-sawed but Turkey’s errant serves were proving costly and Thailand made them pay to skip out to a 17-13 lead.

Suddenly, Turkey were unable to string together points as their muscling blows were being impressively rebuffed, most notably by setter Pornpun Guedpard. Thailand deservedly wrapped up the stanza through a terrific block from Malika Kanthong as spectators jumped out of their seats.

Shrugging off their third set stumble, Turkey regrouped to take a quick 6-1 lead as they shook off their waywardness that marked the previous stanza. Sticking with the script, Thailand mounted their customary comeback with four straight points to take a 10-9 as fans were starting to believe in their dogged team.

Amid a swirl of anticipation, Turkey dug deep and through clutch serving from Gunes they closed in on a hard-fought triumph. With two of their defeats having gone the distance, Turkey were relieved to wrap it up when a Gunes block sealed the deal.

Turkey play Korea on Thursday, while Thailand faces rejuvenated Japan to close out the fourth phase.

Turkey Head Coach Giovanni Guedetti said: “First of all, I have to congratulate Thailand. They always play amazing offense in volleyball. I think they’re the best team in the world when it comes to running side-out attacks. There is no other team in the world that can run side-outs after good reception better than Thailand. That’s why the match today was very, very, very complicated for us. Last year, we lost in one hour against Thailand. But this year, the situation was different so I’m happy that we have improved. But still, our blocking was really not clever enough, good enough, and expert enough to play against Thailand.”

Thailand Head Coach Danai Sriwacharamaytakul: “I think it was a good match for us today.Turkey prepared their homework well to play against us. They served very well with powerful attacks in the first set which made it hard for us to defend.But we were able to play with our own game, our combination plays in the second and third sets which we could score many points.But in the fourth set they put pressure on  us with their effective serving and they improved their defense and blocking. I hope my young players will gain good experience from today’s match. I am glad that some of players were able to play with their own form today. We will try to put more efforts and reduce easy mistakes to play against Japan tomorrow.”

The Japanese spikers entered the fourth-week Pool 15 of the Nations League boasting a 41-13 record over the Koreans and quickly extended their domination to 42, winning 25-22 25-14 25-20 at the Korat Chatchai Hall.

Japan, led by top-scorer Yuki Ishii, unleashed a series of raids to keep the enemy on the back foot from the start. South Korea managed to rally as the first set wore on but eventually succumbed to superior teamwork.

Japan’s solid defence and rapid attacking game catapulted them to a 16-8 lead in the second set, forcing the Koreans to tighten their game and haul things back to 12-17. But South Korean momentum was snapped when Jaeyeong Lee served into the net to open the door for Japan. Yuki Ishii earned a set point for her team with a sly drop shot at 24-14 before Japan closed it out with an impressive block.

In the third set South Korea resistance lasted till the middle of the set before Japan found another gear to race over the finishing line.

Japan, with five wins and six defeats, will play their final match this evening against Thailand. South Korea, also with five wins against six losses, face Turkey at 3pm.

Thailand were to play Turkey at press time last night, hoping to end their four-match losing streak at home from the previous leg in Bangkok last week.