After suffering a first defeat to Asian rivals South Korea yesterday, the hosts were in need of bouncing back as the race for Olympic spaces hots up.

They eventually came through 20-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13 despite the Thai outfit leading 9-3 at one stage of the final set.

Thailand picked up two red cards as they imploded the final stanza and now have it all to do if they are to qualify.

The eight team round-robin tournament is doubling as a Rio Asian qualifier - with the best performer from the continent automatically qualifying for the Games regardless of where they finish.

The best three other countries will also advance.

Italy edged closer to qualification by maintaining their 100 per cent record with a fourth victory.

They saw off Peru 25-19, 25-16, 25-17 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and sit on top of the pile.

South Korea are second and lead the way for the Asian place after beating winless Kazakhstan 25-16, 25-11, 25-21.

The Koreans are one of three teams on a record of three victories and one defeat, along with fourth place Japan and third place Netherlands.

The Dutch beat Dominican Republic, another country yet to get off the mark, 25-22, 25-18, 25-21.

Peru are now fifth in the table with Thailand sixth.

Action will resume on Friday (May 20) after a rest day tomorrow.