After losing the first set 25-18, the world No. 23 took the next three 25-18, 25-19, 25-23 to record their historic first win over seventh-ranked Japan. The Japan Volleyball Association data base goes back to 1993, in which time Japan had won 15 straight matches and allowed Chinese Taipei only three sets. But anything can happen in the World Championships held every four years, and the Asian minnows came home in sparkling style.

It was a massive shock for the home team and for the tournament organisers, and one of the biggest surprises and disappointments in Japanese volleyball history.

The match started in an electric atmosphere after the showtime appearance of two-boy band WaT and the all-girl group Morning Musume singing the World Championships theme song, "Ready Go!"

If the Japanese were ready, then so were Chinese Taipei, and Lin Chun Yi, captain Chen Shu Li and Chen Mei Ching all scored with impressive attacks to give Japan some early problems.

A block by Makiko Horai, a clever winner at the net from setter Yoshie Takeshita and a couple of points from Shuka Oyama righted the Japanese ship, though, and the home team led 8-5 at the first TTO.

Chinese Taipei called a TO when trailing 12-8, and captain Chen on the left wing lifted her team with a sizzling spike to halt Japan's progress.

When the Taipei blockers could not stop a shot from Miyuki Takahashi, Japan were in command 16-11 at the second TTO. Oyama was beginning to find her range as the set progressed, and when Erika Araki, running round the setter on the right flank, and Saori Kimura on the left pierced the Taipei defence to stretch Japan's lead to 20-13, the Chinese called for a breather.

Despite the pressure of Japan's fast-paced attack, Chinese Taipei still managed to produce some slick plays of their own, notably through Lin Chun Yi, captain Chen and Chen Mei Ching, but Japan had too much power. Oyama brought up set point at 24-18, and a bullet jump serve from Takahashi was too hot to handle as the home side took the first set 25-18 in 21 minutes.

Japan struggled early in the second set, and when Chen Mei Ching blocked an Oyama attack on Japan's left, the visitors enjoyed a four-point lead at the first TTO, 8-4.

The flat serves of Takeshita and net work of Araki brought Japan closer, and Taipei called a TO with their lead cut to just one point, 10-9.

The Chinese managed to stay ahead, and two quick points from Kou Nai Han gave them the luxury of a three-point lead, 16-13, at the second TTO. Japan needed to click into gear quickly to stay in the set, but captain Chen was having an inspirational match for the visitors.

A wild spike from Oyama brought about her substitution with Japan down 19-13, Mari Ochiai taking over and immediately halting the slide.

A running spike from Lin Ching I stretched Chinese Taipei's lead to 21-14 and prompted a second Japan TO, but the home team then conceded a soft service ace to captain Chen, 22-14. Lin Ching I brought up set point at 24-16, and finished the second set herself 25-18 to level the match and silence the crowd.

Japan tried to take control of the net in the third set by using Horai more, not only for spikes but also as a decoy for Ochiai out wide. This tactic enabled Japan to lead 6-3 and bring about a Chinese Taipei TO.

But Chen Mei Ching and captain Chen would not concede any ground at the net, and it was quickly 8-6 to the visitors at the first TTO. Japan's confidence had disappeared, and sighs replaced cheers around the gymnasium.

A wild spike from Horai left Chinese Taipei in front 11-7, at which point home team head coach Shoichi Yanagimoto took a TO to try and put some fire and method into his team's play. Takahashi, usually a dynamo and match-winner, was frustrated time and again by the Taipei block, and a major upset was a major possibility at 16-10.

Kimura gave Japan fresh hope with a couple of blazing winners down the middle, but Japan still had a lot of ground to make up against a team full of ideas and confidence.
Lin Chun Yi was too quick for Takahashi at the net and brought up set point at 24-18, and Kou pushed the ball into a big gap to end the third set 25-19 and give the visitors an unlikely 2-1 lead.

Japan were in trouble early in the fourth set, Yanagimoto needing a TO down 4-1 after more uncharacteristically loose play from Takahashi. Sachiko Sugiyama came on for Horai and this lifted the crowd temporarily, but Chinese Taipei stayed focused and captain Chen brought up the first TTO with her team in front 8-5.

Chinese Taipei were picking up all the pieces at the net, and sensed victory at the second technical break, 16-10 ahead.

Middle blocker Chen Mei Ching brought the visitors closer to the fourth set, and was supported by some spectacular defence that kept the ball flying. With their lead cut to three points at 19-16 and Japan belatedly finding some momentum, Chinese Taipei took a TO.

Great defence by Takahashi and a Kimura winner pulled Japan level 21-21, and a Kimura block pushed them in front amidst hysterical scenes in the stands.

At 23-23, Lin Chun Yi brought up match point, and Lin Ching I fired into an empty space to complete an amazing victory for the underdogs.