The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Kobe

Japan squeezed through to a five-set victory over Turkey for their second straight win in the preliminary round of the World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Japan came back from a one-set deficit twice to score a 21-25, 25-16, 17-25, 25-19, 15-12 win over Turkey, the surprise winners over the World Cup bronze medallists the United States on Friday.

Japan led the event with a 2-0 win-loss record, followed by Turkey and the United States each at 1-1 and Kazakhstan 0- 2.

Earlier in the day, the United States, two-time Grand Prix champions, outgunned Kazakhstan 25-16, 25-17, 25-18 in the four-team round robin.

After playing nine matches over three weeks, hosts Japan and the top five teams will take part in the final round in Yokohama from July 9 to 13.