TEHRAN - Defending champion Iran eased past the Chinese side in the semifinal of the 4th Asian Juniors Volleyball Championships on Saturday, throwing the gauntlet for the finalist India.

Resurgent Iran fought back in Rajiv Gandhi Hall of Vishahkapatnam, India, and handed China a 3-1 defeat.

Winning the first set 26-24, China was stunned as the powerful team of Iran won the next three games 25-17, 25-23, 25-18 respectively.

India also vaulted into the final as it crushed North Korea in three consecutive sets before home fans on April 12. It won 26-24, 25-23, 25-20 to field its players against Iran in today's final.

Iran, India, and the winner of China-North Korea match qualify for the world event.