Turkey shocks Japan as FIVB Worlds kick off at Big Dome

Turkey took advantage of an undermanned Japan squad to pull off a stunning 25-19, 25-23, 25-19 victory as Pool G action of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship kicked off on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The world No. 16 Turkish side leaned on the tandem of Ramazan Mandiraci and Adis Lagumdzija to shock the Japanese squad, which was missing several stars, including Yuji Nishida, Masahiro Sekita, and Akihiro Yamauchi.

The 23-year-old Mandiraci torched Japan from the service line, finishing with 17 points built on 10 attacks, five aces, and two blocks, while opposite hitter Lagumdzija backed him up with 15 markers.

With their backs against the wall, Japan put up a gallant stand in the third set, with Ran Takahashi tying the game at 13-all. But Turkey capitalized on Japan’s errors, as the latter committed three costly infractions, allowing the Turks to go on a 6-1 run for a 19-14 cushion.

Lagumdzija then unleashed a fireball from the opposite side before Mandiraci’s own kill extended the lead to 22-17.

Veteran middle blocker Marko Matic delivered a quick kill, followed by another ace from Mandirai to bring Turkey to match point at 24-18.

Japan tried to mount a desperate rally after Mandiraci committed a service error, but Masato Kai missed his serve as well, sealing Turkey’s sweep victory.

Kento Miyaura and team captain Yuki Ishikawa led Japan with 13 and 10 points, respectively, while Takahashi was limited to just four markers.

In the opening game, Canada overcame a slow start to eke out a 22-25, 25-20, 25-12, 29-27 win over gritty Libya, behind the duo of Sharone Vernon-Evans and Nicholas Hoag.

Vernon-Evans poured in 22 points off 16 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while Hoag added 20 markers to help world No. 11 Canada cruise to a 1-0 start in the loaded Pool G.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News