Tokyo, August 9, 2006: When it comes to rivalry in international sports, they don't come much fiercer than Japan against Korea.
Which is why the FIVB World Championships 2006 already has its first sell-out.
All tickets for the women's clash between Japan and Korea on Saturday, November 4, have been snapped up by Japan's army of volleyball fans, guaranteeing an electric atmosphere in the 12,000-capacity Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium in downtown Tokyo.
The following day's Japan-Poland match is not far behind in terms of ticket sales, but all five first-round games in Pool A for the host nation are expected to draw capacity crowds to the hallowed venue, built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Japan will begin their campaign against Asian rivals Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, October 31, after the official opening ceremony and entertainment show featuring a galaxy of stars from the vibrant J-Pop scene.
Next up is Costa Rica the following evening, before the 24 teams in four pools across the country take a break from the action on Thursday, November 2, and concentrate on training.
Friday is a national holiday in Japan, Culture Day, and African challengers Kenya will provide the evening opposition, before the weekend blockbusters against Korea and Poland.
Japan and Korea have met 28 times in the last 10 years, with Korea holding the advantage with 16 wins to Japan's 12.
Japan, however, have won nine of their last 10 encounters, the exception being the Olympic Games pool match in Athens which the Koreans took in straight sets.
