TEHRAN – Iran defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 (24-26, 25-20, 25-18, 28-26) in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women on Friday.

Iran are scheduled to face the Philippines and Australia in Pool A on Saturday and Sunday.

Hitter Aytak Salamat captained the Iran side, leading with 23 points. Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Fang-Min scored 21 points in the defeat. 

Pool B consists of Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The third edition of the competition takes place in Manila’s historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum from May 22 to 29.

The top two teams per pool will comprise the Final Four to compete in the semi-finals on May 28, while the remaining teams look for their best possible finish with the 5th-8th semi-finals. The least-ranked team per pool will face off in the classification match for 9th-10th places.

The finals are set on May 29, where the eventual champions earn the right to return to Manila, as they confirm their slot for the Volleyball World Challenger Cup, scheduled from July 4-7, 2024.