Tokyo, Japan, June 1, 2016 - Iran and China are the leading two Asian sides at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament so far and the winner of the clash between them on Thursday would gain a very solid advantage in the race for the AVC spot at the Rio Olympics.
Head-to-head
• The most recent encounter at the World Olympic Qualification tournament between Iran and China came in 2012 when Iran proved too strong after five sets.
• They also met at the 2004 World Olympic Qualification tournament when China won 3-1.
• Iran and China's previous two encounters were both semifinals at continental championships. At the 2014 Asian Games, Iran won in straight sets en route to their gold medal.
• At the 2015 Asian Championship, Iran defeated China with 3-2 but lost the final against Japan (3-1). China finished third after winning the third place match against Qatar (3-2).
Iran
• Iran bounced back from their defeat against France (3-0) to claim a 3-1 win over Japan on Wednesday, their third win at the 2016 World Olympic Qualification tournament.
• They won five matches at the World Olympic Qualification tournament in 2012, but it was not sufficient to qualify for the Olympic Games.
• They are closing in on their first participation at the Olympic Games.
China
• China have won two matches and lost two, after their 3-2 defeat against Poland on Wednesday, despite taking a two-set lead.
• At the 2012 World Olympic Qualification tournament, China lost four of their seven matches and failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
• Dai Qinghyao (46) and Zhang Chen (45) have scored most points for China at the 2016 World Olympic Qualification tournament.
• Zhang Chen and Gen Xin have both scored 10 points from blocks.