LAHORE, Sept 2: Iran defeated Pakistan and Thailand beat Saudi Arabia to become the first two to reach the final eight in the 14th Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship being played in Jakarta.

Iran defeated Pakistan 3-1, the score being 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22.

The win has earned Iran the lead position in pool ‘B’. They now join the reigning champions Japan, South Korea and the winners of Pool ‘D’ in the final eight.

Thailand also beat Saudi Arabia by 3-1. Their score: 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-16.

Pakistan meet Vietnam in their next match.