The United States, Brazil, Japan and Turkey were all guaranteed last four places heading into the final day of matches, with points, positions and pride all that was up for grabs today.

The US knew they would finish top whatever happened in their last group game, and saw their undefeated run end as they were beaten in straight sets by China, who finished in fifth place, 25-10, 25-20, 25-17.

Brazil, who were already secure in second place in the standings, defeated Turkey 25-18, 25-16, 25-27, 25-15 to finish with 40 points, two behind the US who ended on 42.

Turkey’s loss, coupled with Japan defeating Serbia 25-12, 25-22, 25-15, saw Japan finish third on 33 points, with Turkey fourth on 30.

In the opening game of the day, the Dominican Republic beat Germany 25-21, 25-22, 14-25, 25-27, 15-9 to finish in sixth place.

Hosts Italy ended the tournament on a high defeating Thailand 33-35, 25-21, 27-25, 25-20 to end in 12^th place.

The second five-setter of the day saw Poland overcome Russia 25-17, 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 15-7 to finish in 11th.

The third contest of the day to go the distance saw The Netherlands beat South Korea 25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12, with the Dutch finishing in seventh.

Belgium also ended on a winning note defeating Canada 26-24, 25-17, 25-17 to finish in ninth.

The women’s semi-finals are scheduled to take place on Thursday June 24, with Brazil against Japan before the US take on Turkey, with the final round set to follow the next day.