Bench players of Japan celebrate scoring during the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

BANGKOK, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- World No. 4 Türkiye rallied from one set down to defeat World No. 5 Japan 16-25, 25-17, 25-18, 27-25 here on Saturday, securing its first appearance in the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship final.

Melissa Vargas scored 28 points to lead Türkiye, whose previous best at the World Championship had been sixth place in 2010, while Eda Erdem, Ebrar Karakurt and Zehra Gunes contributed 13, 13, and 12 points respectively in the tournament's first semifinal.

After dropping the first set, Türkiye came back strongly, taking the next two. Trailing 24-21 in the fourth set, Türkiye scored four consecutive points to take the lead at 25-24. Sato Yoshino saved one match point for Japan, but Karakurt responded with a smash to make it 26-25, and a Japanese spiking error awarded the victory for Türkiye.

"I think after the first set, no one would expect this second and third set," said Türkiye head coach Daniele Santarelli. "We were very nervous at the beginning, because these players have never played a semifinal in a World Championship. We started badly, first in defense, then in attack. But we played an amazing second and third set, and in the fourth, we showed everyone how we play."

Türkiye will play in the final on Sunday against either Italy or Brazil, and Karakurt vowed to fight to the end.

"We have been waiting for this moment since the beginning of the tournament, and now we are in the final," she said. "It doesn't matter who the opponent will be-we will fight until the last ball. I hope we bring our country a victory and unforgettable moments."

Santarelli said he recognized how important Sunday's final would be.

"It's a beautiful day. But it's a semifinal, and tomorrow there is a final. We can be happy today, but we have to think about tomorrow," he said.

"I always told the girls that everyone was talking about the final because they saw we had the possibility to reach the end. I said, 'we have to respect every opponent because every opponent is so good.' And I know for my team and my players, today is a good day, but tomorrow will be one of the most important days of my life."

Yukiko Wada scored 22 points and Mayu Ishikawa added 19 for Japan, who were outblocked 12-6. ■

Seki Nanami (C) of Japan wipes tears after the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Gizem Orge (L) of Türkiye falis to save the ball during the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Team Türkiye celebrate victory after the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Players of Japan celebrate scoring during the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Melissa Teresa Vargas (R) of Türkiye spikes the ball during the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)

Melissa Teresa Vargas of Türkiye tries to save the ball during the semifinal match between Japan and Türkiye at the Volleyball Women's World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Hou Zhaokang)