CITY OF CANDON — Chinese Taipei secured a semifinal berth in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup after sweeping the Philippines, 25-16, 25-14, 25-10, on Thursday at the Candon City Arena, sending the host nation to the classification round.

The Taiwanese notched their fourth win in as many matches, raising their total to 12 points with one match remaining.

Alas Pilipinas, meanwhile, completed its pool assignments with seven points following two wins and three losses in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singon.

Korea has the inside track to the second semifinal berth from Pool A, with nine points earned and two matches to play.

Australia still has a slim chance, with five points and two matches left.

Chinese Taipei setter Yi Jen Liao was elated to score a win over the Philippines, and very happy to perform in front of the adoring crowd of 2,800 at Candon City Arena.

“I feel very happy. Big thanks to the fans,” Liao said.

Chinese Taipei takes on Korea on the final day of pool play.

Kazakhstan and Vietnam have locked in their places in the semifinal round and will dispute the top spot in Pool B.

Kazakhstan made it four wins in as many matches with a 25-11, 25-19, 25-14 rout of Lebanon in Pool B action.

Titleholder Vietnam also continued its unbeaten run, cruising past Iran, 25-19, 25-20, 27-25.

Kazakhstan and Vietnam dispute the top spot in Pool B on Friday in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson.

Indonesia has a 2-2 record in third spot and is out of the semis race.

Shantelle Marie Demirjian came up with 13 points, all on attacks, for Lebanon, winless in four matches.

Ekaterina Mikhailova had 14 points, while Dinara Razakberlina added 10 Kazakhstan, which placed second in pool play behind the Philippines before winding up in fourth place overall in last year’s AVC Women’s Nations Cup.

Thi Thanh Thuy Tran continued her dominant play, scoring 21 on 19 attacks and two blocks for Vietnam.

Thi Bich Thuy Tran delivered 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks.

Iran absorbed its third loss in four matches.