Japan, South Korea and China were tied with 13 points after completing their seven games. However, a convincing 25-7 25-4 25-6 victory over winless Australia helped the Japanese girls, who had a better win/loss ratio, finally ending their long title drought.

"Last time, we finished fourth. Libero Inoue Kotoe and setter Kawai Yuki were the main reason that we won the title this time," said Japanese head coach Aihara Noboru.

Apart from dethroning China, Japan also earned a ticket to the World Championship in Mexico in July.

"This year, our girls are very tough. They have good co-ordination and also concentration. And we hope our girls will keep their good run and try their best in the World Championship," he said.

South Korea secured the runner-up trophy as in Cebu two years ago by trouncing India 25-8 25-8 25-4.

Defending champion China, who crushed Sri Lanka 25-4 25-7 25-8, had to settle for third place.

Thailand, who beat Australia 25-7 25-22 25-23 on Sunday, fell to Taiwan 25-23 25-20 25-23 in the fourth-place play-off.

Japanese Nagaoka Miyu, who played splendidly throughout the tournament, won the Most Valuable Player Award.

Japanese libero Inoue deservedly received the Best Digger, while Tawanese Chen Shih-ting captured the Best Blocker Award.

The Best Setter Award went to Si Eun-mi of South Korea and Japanese Airi Kawahara clinched the Best Receiver Award.

Kawai of Japan took the Best Server Award, while South Korean captain Lee Yeon-ju won the Best Scorer Award.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Kamphaeng Phet