Japan finally broke its two-game slump in the FIVB Men's World Championship, prevailing over Libya in its last assignment in Manila.
Japan vented its ire on world no. 75 Libya, 25-20, 25-17, 25-12, to end its 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on a high note at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The seventh-ranked Japanese crashed out of the tournament early after suffering back-to-back losses against Turkiye and Canada in their first two outings in Pool G.
It was only the third time in their program’s history that they went out in the first round.
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But the fan favorites made sure to give Filipino fans a show in the Big Dome, with Kento Miyaura, Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi delivering the goods.
Despite Libya’s best efforts to play at pace with Japan, Nippon’s firepower proved too much even as they continued to fight without veteran hitter Yuji Nishida, who did not join the team in this edition of the tourney.
Japan stepped on the gas pedal in the third, zooming to a 17-8 lead to seal the resounding win.
Miyaura and Ishikawa paced Japan with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Takahashi added 11 markers.
Meanwhile, Libya drew 11 points from Ahmed Ikhbayri.
Ikhbayri and Co. finished at 0-3.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.