Asian "powerful triangle" all claimed victories in the group-round of the 12th Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Tuesday.

China and Japan, who qualified for the quarterfinals early Monday, defeated their last group opponents 3-0 to top the groups, while South Korea, runner-up of last championship, beat Kazakhstan 3-0 to move a step forward to the quarterfinals.

Defending champion China powered past Australia 25-14, 25-19, 25-17 for its fourth consecutive victory.

During the one-hour match, China never gave any chance to Australia who had played two games but won neither of them.

China had 27 efficient blocks, but also had 8 service errors during the match.

Japan scored 16 points on serves, which destroyed the defense of New Zealand to win the match 25-11, 25-17, 25-17.

After losing the first two sets, New Zealand contested hotly in the third but Japan led most of the way. The 18-year-old setter Kimura Saori led Japan to a 5-1 run after 20-16 to claim the victory.

Thailand defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in another Group A match. Thailand, who won two of three in the group, has a great hope to make it to the quarterfinal, while Chinese Taipei, with one win and two losses, is at the edge of elimination.

Thailand, third-place finisher in 2001, came back from one set down to win 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20.

South Korea, who needs two wins to qualify for the quarterfinals, won over Kazakhstan 25-18, 25-14, 25-20.

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