Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, October 6, 2008 -- Korea upset the Asian champions Japan and to play against China in the final clash of the inaugural Asian Wome’s Cup Volleyball Championship here on Monday.

In the first semi-final encounter between Korea and Japan, current Asian champions but a newly-formed team, the unbeaten Koreans proved an impossible nut to crack for the younger rivals as they raced to the initial 16-11 lead, thanks to mighty attacking hits from the powerfully-built Kim Min-Ji, who has so far emerged as the best scorer after collecting the highest 68 points including 58 kills and seven blocks.

Despite the stout challenge from Japan , Kim Min-Ji and Lee Jung-Ok methodically took turns penetrating the rivals defence with their exceptional spikes to stretch the lead to 21-13 and from then on never looked back to win the effortless first set 25-13.

Their confidence boosted after the set win, the Koreans continued their sparkling form to lead 9-4 in the second set. As the fierce battle went on, Japanese captain and setter Seiko Kawamura collapsed and was stretchered out.Tomomi Nakao was called in to fill the vacant position, but Yuko Suzuki instead turned an attacker-cum-setter. Despite putting up a brave fight, Japan proved no match against the formidable Koreans, who stormed on to win the set 25-11, again without much trouble.

In the third set, Japan poured everything they had in an effort of making amends for the loss in the first two sets. Their intention paid dividends as they led 12-8 and widened the gap to 20-16. The Koreans, taking the height advantage, utilized their excellent teamwork and lightning spikes from Kim to bounce back heavily to come close at 19-21 and catch the smaller rivals at 23-23. South Korea won the hard-fought set 26-24, the match and the final berth.

“We just concentrated on our game. I think my girls overcame their unforced mistakes and came up with an improved form. Japan also played well, but we had a tougher match against Thailand ,” said Korean head coach Lee Sung-Hee.

“In the final clash against China on Tuesday, I admit that we are second to the Chinese. We have to work much harder in preparation for the match against them. We will study their tapes and statistics tonight (Monday night). However, I believe my girls will try their best.”

Despite the loss, Japanese head coach Sadatoshi Sugawara was still happy with his girls’form. “I am glad with the way they played. The on-going game changed after our captain and setter Seiko Kawamura was too tired. Obviously, she became nervous and could not play her form.

“She was then stretchered out to have her physical conditions checked by court doctors. Finally, she was advised to be rushed to Maharaj Hospital for further physical examination,”he said.

“We are newly-formed team. Most of my girls are still young and inexperienced. The senior players are taking a one-month break after they competed in the Beijing Olympic Games. However, I don’t think they will return to join the team anymore. After this championship, we will return to Japan . Everyone gets ready to play for her own clubs in the National Volleyball League,”Sugawara concluded.