World champion Brazil is the first team to secure a berth at next year's Olympics in Beijing, after beating Russia in straight sets at the men's volleyball World Cup competition in Japan.
At Tokyo's Metropolitan Gymnasium Saturday, the Brazilians secured their ninth win against only one loss 25-22, 25-22, 25-18. Russia is now 8-2 after the loss and plays the United States in its final match Sunday.
The American team stayed on course for an Olympic Berth with a 3-0 win over Argentina Saturday (25-16, 25-19, 25-18). Bulgaria is also 8-2 after disappointing the 10-thousand home fans with a 3-1 win over hosts Japan (22-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-20).
Bulgaria takes on Argentina Sunday while Brazil plays Japan. Only the top three finishers earn berths to Beijing.
At Tokyo's Komazawa Gymnasium Saturday, Egypt defeated Tunisia in four sets (25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 25-22). Spain downed South Korea, 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 28-26). Australia beat Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-21, 15-25, 25-18, 25-21).
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP.
