Bulgaria celebrate their hard-fought win over France at the Men’s European Volleyball Olympic Qualification Tournament in Berlin ©FIVB

Bulgaria claimed a thrilling five-set win over France to tighten up Pool B at the Men’s European Volleyball Olympic Qualification Tournament in Berlin.

Tsvetan Sokolov top scored with 23 points as the Bulgarians triumphed 25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 19-25, 15-8 at the German capital's Max-Schmeling-Halle.

The result means the two teams and European champions Serbia, who bounced back from their straight-sets loss against France yesterday by defeating The Netherlands 25-18, 25-18, 25-17, all have one win to their name.

Bulgaria are due to face The Netherlands tomorrow before round-robin action concludes on Wednesday (January 8).

In Pool A, hosts Germany followed up their straight-sets victory over Czech Republic by overcoming Belgium 25-18, 25-23, 26-24.

The top two teams in each pool at the conclusion of the round-robin stage will secure a spot in the semi-finals, scheduled to take place on Thursday (January 9).

Kenya continued their perfect start to the Women's African Olympic Qualification Tournament in Yaoundé ©FIVB
Kenya continued their perfect start to the Women's African Olympic Qualification Tournament in Yaoundé ©FIVB

One place at this year's Olympic Games in Tokyo is on offer for the winner of the final on Friday (January 10).

The event is one of 10 Tokyo 2020 continental qualifiers for men and women taking place this week under the overall auspices of the International Volleyball Federation.

Each one offers progression for the winner.

At the Women's African Olympic Qualification Tournament in Yaoundé, Kenya and hosts Cameroon made it two wins out of two in the single five-team pool.

Kenya beat Botswana 25-17, 25-19, 25-18, before Cameroon registered a 25-12, 25-10, 25-8 win over Nigeria.