TOKYO, May 31: Australia powered past Thailand in three sets to get off to a winning start in the final qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics men’s volleyball on Saturday.

Paul Carroll scored 16 points, including two service winners, to lead the Asian champions to a 25-12, 25-15, 25-14 victory in the eight-team round robin competition.

In the second match, Argentina needed five match points before beating South Korea 16-25, 25-23, 25-23, 29-27. In the third match Algeria overwhelmed Iran 35-37, 18-25, 25-21, 27-25, 19-17.

The winners of the tournament and the best-placed Asian team will qualify for the Olympics.—AFP