Japan took a big step toward this summer's Athens Olympics after swatting aside Puerto Rico 3-0 to record its fourth straight win in the women's final Olympic qualifying tournament Wednesday.
Japan overpowered its Central American opponent 25-23, 25-11, 25-23 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and now needs just one win from its remaining three games in the eight-team tournament to book its ticket to Greece.
Meanwhile, South Korea beat Italy 3-2 for its fourth win.