Lausanne, Switzerlad, July 15, 2017 - Japan claimed the first of two available tickets for the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in Italy & Bulgaria when they outlasted Australia 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-14, 22-25, 15-13) Saturday in Canberra for Pool B of the Asian qualifiers.
Japan completed their obligations undefeated on a 4-0 record, securing the top position in the group.
The second qualifying position will be decided on the closing day of the competition Sunday between hosts Australia and Chinese Taipei, who both stand at 2-1. The winner, regardless of the score, gets to finish second in the pool and advance to Italy/Bulgaria.
Chinese Taipei remained in contention after shutting out Thailand 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22) in Saturday's other game in Canberra.
Japan will be making their 15th appearance in the history of the World Championship, returning to the competition after missing out in 2014 following 14 straight participations.
Japan have won the bronze medal in the competition twice, in 1970 and 1974.
Play in Canberra wraps up Sunday, with Thailand playing New Zealand at 14:00 local time (04:00 GMT), followed by the big match Australia v Chinese Taipei at 17:10 (07:10 GMT).
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Pool A of the Asian qualifiers, with Iran, China, Korea, Qatar and Kazakhstan, will be held August 10-14 in Tehran for two more spots from Asia to Italy/Bulgaria.
Japan join hosts Italy and Bulgaria, defending champions Poland and European qualifiers France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Russia, Serbia and Finland in the 2018 World Championship.