The South Americans survived two tight opening sets with Serbia at Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in Tokyo before enjoying a more comfortable third, triumphing 25-23, 25-21, 25-15.

Brazil only dropped one set in their trio of Pool 15 games in Japan, leaving them in a strong position to advance to next month’s Finals in Nanjing in China.

Also in the Japanese capital, the hosts earned a straight-sets success, sinking Thailand 25-22, 25-22, 25-14 to boost their qualification hopes.

Standings leaders Turkey, who have already rubber-stamped their progress, came out on top in a 3-2 blockbuster with Poland in Pool 16 at Jiangmen Sports Hall in Jiangmen, China.

Having dropped the first two sets, Turkey stormed back to win 22-25, 18-25, 25-16, 25-20, 15-12.

China, who have already qualified for the Finals as hosts, had their nine-game unbeaten run ended by the United States, who prevailed 25-17, 25-22, 25-21.

Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Kelsey Robinson hit 20 points apiece for the victors, who significantly furthered their top-six case.

In today’s later games, Bulgaria overcame South Korea 20-25, 25-23, 25-19, 26-24 in Pool 13 at PalaEvangelisti in Perugia, while Italy battled back to see off Russia 22-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-21.

In Pool 14, Dominican Republic edged out Belgium 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16 at Porsche-Arena in Stuttgart.

Netherlands won a five-set thriller against Germany 21-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-13, 16-14.