Italy, Poland clash in semis

Tournament favorites Italy and Poland face off earlier than expected while giant slayers Bulgaria and Czechia collide head on for a chance at keeping their fairy tale runs going in today’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship semifinals at the MOA Arena.

- By JOEY VILLAR

The Bulgarians gatecrashed into the semis after pulling the rug from under the fancied Americans in a gripping, come-from-behind 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13 win while the Czechs marched on with a 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21 edging of the Iranians Thursday.

That set Bulgaria and Czechia up against each other in an intriguing duel scheduled at 2:30 p.m. with both eyeing to extend their stellar run in this 17-day, 32-nation tournament.