Fukuoka: Iran reached the final of the AVC Men's Volleyball Asian Championship after defeating Australia 3-1 in the semifinal in Fukuoka, Japan, on Saturday. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran, coached by Roberto Piazza, won the first, third, and fourth sets 25-21, 25-17, and 25-22 respectively, while Australia took the second set 25-17. The victory secured Iran's place in the final and earned the team a ninth qualification for the 2027 World Championship in Poland. Iran entered the match with a starting lineup of Morteza Sharifi, Issa Naseri, Ali Hajipour, Pouria Hossein Khanzadeh, Mohammad Valizadeh, Arshia Behnejad, and libero Mohammad Reza Hazratpour. The match lasted 117 minutes, with Hossein Khanzadeh recording powerful serves reaching speeds of 129, 117, and 115 kilometers per hour. The win was Iran's 22nd victory over Australia in their 29 meetings across competitions. Iran will play the AVC Men's Volleyball Asian Championship final on Sunday at 2 p.m. Fukuoka time against the winne r of Japan and South Korea. The team aims to add another continental title to its record while continuing its run in Asian volleyball.