France improved its win-loss record to 2-1, after the team defeated Iran in straight sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-22) at the Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Tuesday.

France took advantage of the absence of Iran’s main hitter Amir Ghafour, as it was able to set up a wall on the other Iranian hitters.

Iran looked completely different without its main opposite spiker Ghafour, as Shahram Mahmoudi and Milad Ebadipour were forced to run their offence with minimal support from their teammates.

 Mahmoudi topped all scorers with 19 points. Ebadipour chipped in 14 points on a losing effort for Iran. Antonin Rouzier looked sharp on his offence and scored 18 points, while Kevin Tillie had a good stint from the flanks, scored 13 points.

“We did not pass or receive well. France was better than us in all aspects of the game. They were better in service, reception and attacks,” Iran coach Raul Lozano said.

 “This is why the result was 3-0. Amir Ghafour has some inflammation in his knee and we decided to rest him today and save him for tomorrow's match. He is fine,” the Argentine coach added.

Iran will meet host Japan on Wednesday.

Eight strong teams are competing for the Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament from May 28 to June 5 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

The qualification tournament in Tokyo, which also serves as the Asian qualification tournament, will provide the top ranked Asian team and the top three ranked teams with the four Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualification slots available.