SEOUL, Aug. 22 -- China beat Kazakhstan in straight sets in a Pool F match here on Thursday to seal a semifinal spot at the ongoing Asian Women's Volleyball Championship.

The 13-time champions were put to stern test by Kazakhstan in the first set but converted their first set point after a time-out at 24-23. China carried on the momentum and clinched the victory 25-23, 25-12, 25-15.

"They pushed us hard throughout the game, but we were able to claim the win thanks to our targeted preparation," spiker Duan Fang said. "We were sluggish at the begining, so we hope to improve on that in the remaining games."

The victory helped China secure a semifinal ticket at the tournament, before facing defending champions Japan in their last Pool F match on Friday.

Japan, who defeated Indonesia 3-0, also made it into the last four.

The two remaining spots were taken by hosts South Korea and Thailand in Pool E, both of whom swept their opponents 3-0.

The two will clash on Friday to fight for a top position in the group.

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