September17September 18, 2026

NAGOYA, Japan – Kazakhstan made an excellent start, outlasting the Philippines, 27-29, 26-24, 25-23, 25-19, to secure a ticket to the quarterfinals of the women’s competition at the 20^th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Thursday, Sept. 17.

The Kazakhs rode on the hot hands of outside hitter Tatyana Nikitina to fend off the spirited challenge of the Filipinos in their do-or-die Group B showdown at the Okazaki Sogo Park.

With Kazakhstan’s victory, China also advanced to the knockout stage, having beaten the Philippines, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, on the opening day. They are only three in their group.

The towering Nikitina scattered 19 points to lead three other teammates in double figures, enough the cushion the 24-point effort of Filipina Angel Canino.

The Kazakhstan-Philippines duel was the first four-setter of the competition with traditional powerhouses scoring straight-set wins.

China is gunning to rule the continental showcase for the 10^th straight edition. In the Covid-delayed Hangzhou Games, they defeated Japan.

Also making to the next stage of the was Pool D favorite South Korea, which needed only 54 minutes to dismantle Qatar, 25-6, 25-6, 25-16, thanks to the stellar effort of middle blocker Park Eun-jin.

Eunjin led all scorers with 15 points as the Koreans notched their second straight win.

Vietnam and Chinese-Taipei also posted straight-set wins over their respective rivals, with the former essaying a 25-22, 25-15, 25-18 win over Hong Kong China in another Pool D match.

Chinese-Taipei, on the other hand, whipped Mongolia, 25-22, 25-8, 25-14, to likewise notch its second consecutive victory at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park.

The last day of elimination round will be held on Friday with Thailand, Japan, Korea, Chinese-Taipei, Vietnam, and Indonesia looking to complete the quarterfinal cast.

Indonesia, which beat Nepal, 25-12, 25-21, 25-20, faces host Japan on Friday for the No. 1 spot in Pool A.