Italian spikers beat Japan at World Super Challenge

TOKYO (AFP): World champion Italy whipped Japan in three sets for its fifth straight win to finish atop the six-team World Super Challenge men's volleyball tournament yesterday.

The Italians, who defeated the Netherlands Saturday to avenge their loss in the Atlanta Olympic final, ended the competition with a 15-1, 15-5, 15-5 win.

"Today's game was very special for us because five members will leave the national team," said Italian head coach Julio Velasco. "So this was the last match for them. It was also special for me, because I also leave the team."

"During the World Super Challenge, I believe we showed our mental strength, " Velasco added.

The Dutch Olympic champions outgunned China 15-5, 15-4, 15-5 to finish second with a 4-1 win-loss record, while Atlanta bronze winners Yugoslavia downed South Korea 15-11, 15-9, 15-13.

"Today's game was the last for Jan Posthuma, so we wanted to have a good game for him," said Dutch coach Joop Alberda, who himself was to leave the team in December. "I'm satisfied with the fact that we could win most matches. "

Yugoslavia placed third with a 3-2 record, China was fourth (2-3), South Korea finished fifth (1-4) and winless Japan was last.

Paolo Tofoli of Italy was named the tournament's most valuable player.

Bas van de Goor of the Netherlands won the best attacker award, Italian Andrea Gardini was named best blocker, while Nikola Grbic of Yugoslavia was named best server.