Japanese cop Asian crown

Japan I relied on its vast experience to turn back the rallying Australia I, 15-11, yesterday and rule the first Nestea Asian Beach Volleyball Women's Invitational tournament at the CCP Complex.

Taruko Nakano and Kaori Tuschia imposed their will early on the Aussie tandem of Summer Lochowicz and Sue Himback as they built a huge 11-1 lead which they used to cushion the impact of their sputtering finish to win the top honors in this three-day event worth $1,500 and 50 Asian circuit points.

"We're very happy. This is the first time we won playing together," said Nakano, a veteran of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 1985 University Games, through an interpreter.

The 34-year-old Nakano played solid game throughout, attacking Australia's defense with a series of drop shots while setting up the lanky Tuschiya to drill in several slams.

Displaying a wide array of shots, the Japanese, who demolished the second Aussie team of Emma Prowse and Cindy Godwin, 15-2, in the semifinals earlier, roared to a big 11-1 lead and looked headed to a trouble-free triumph.

But Lochowicz and Himbeck fought back to close in at 8-13 before the Japanese put their act together anew to notch the win.

In the battle for third place, Indonesia pulled off a 15-8 upset over fourth pick Australia II.

The second Aussie squad wound up fourth with New Zealand, Japan 2, Thailand 1 and Malaysia finishing fifth to eight places, respectively. Rounding out the 13-team, three-day event, organized by Cervo Concepts Inc. and sponsored by Nestle Philippines, Honda Cars Phils., Elfs Lubricants, Bayview Hotel, Speedo and Mikasa, were Hong Kong 1, Thailand 2, Philippines 1, Philippines 2 and Hong Kong 2.