The United States ended defending champions Italy’s match-winning streak on Thursday as the two teams secured their top three places to qualify for the London Olympics next year. The Americans pulled off a 25-23, 25-15, 22-25, 25-21 victory for a 9-1 win-loss record to tie with the Italians, but they have 26 points against Italy’s 25 points in the 12-team round robin competition. Earlier in the day, Athens Olympic gold medallists China whipped winless Kenya 25-7, 25-15, 25-10 to keep third place on 23 points with a 7-3 record. Japan edged past Germany 25-20, 23-25, 25-27, 25-17, 15-12 for 21 points to keep alive a slim hope of finishing third. Germany, who have 20 points, will play China on the final day Friday.
