The Australian men’s volleyball team has scored terrific wins over India and Thailand to finish second, behind China, in round three of the Asian qualification tournament (held in Chengdu, China 14–16 August) of the 2010 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.

Australia and China now progress through to the final round of the world championships, to be held in major cities across Italy from 24 September to 10 October.

Australia won straight sets victories against India (25–15, 25–22, 25–19) on 14 August and Thailand (25–19, 25–20, 25–20) on 15 August, but were defeated by China in a tight three sets to one (22–25, 25–17, 28–30, 17–25) on 16 August.

‘The team played well and gained valuable experience against China,’ said Australian men’s volleyball coach Russell Borgeaud. ‘We will be training hard in preparation for the final round.’

The Australian team will now travel to Manila to defend its title at the Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship, from 26 September to 5 October.