Russia are among the four teams through to the semi-finals at the FIVB Women's Under-20 World Championship in Mexico ©FIVB

Italy, Japan, Russia and Turkey secured their place in the semi-finals as action continued today at the International Volleyball Federation Women's Under-20 World Championship in Mexico.

Japan advanced to the last four as Pool F winners after beating Poland 25-20, 24-26, 25-21, 25-19 at Hermanos Carreon Stadium in Aguascalientes.

The Asian champions used a balanced offence between Mayu Ishikawa with 19 points and Shion Hirayama  and Yuki Nishikawa with 12 points each as they maintained their unblemished record at the tournament.

They were joined in progressing from Pool F by runners-up Turkey, who defeated the United States 25-23, 25-20, 32-30 today to make it two wins from their three matches.  

In Pool E, Russia came from two sets down against Italy to triumph 22-25, 21-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-11 and advance to the semi-finals along with their opponents.

Ekaterina Pipunyrova played a pivotal role in her country's victory, scoring 21 points on 18 kills and three blocks.

Japan maintained their unbeaten record by defeating Poland in four sets in Pool F ©FIVB
Japan maintained their unbeaten record by defeating Poland in four sets in Pool F ©FIVB

Both teams ended on the same win-loss record of 2-1, but it was Italy who topped the standings with seven points to Russia’s five.

Russia’s victory brushed aside Brazil who had earlier lost 21-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 11-15 to defending champions China.

Brazil, China, Poland and the US will play for fifth to eighth place in the final rankings.

Following a rest day tomorrow, the semi-finals are scheduled to take place on Saturday (July 20) with Japan facing Russia and Italy going up against Turkey.

They will be preceded by the placement matches between Brazil and the US, and Poland and China.

The final is set to be held on Sunday (July 21).