Korean Dong-jin Kang scores against Australia’s Andrew Grant during their game in the 15th Asian Senior Men’s Championship on Wednesday at the San Andres gym in Malate. (Photo by ALI VICOY)

Powerhouse Korea pulled off its worthiest win in four days on Wednesday by downing defending champion Australia, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, to boost its quarterfinals bid in the 15th Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Koreans, third-placers in 2005 and 2007, got off to a torrid start, coming through with an array of huge shots to stun the Aussies in the most awaited match in Pool D to improve their record to 3-0.

The Aussies finished their group elims with a 3-1 card but has to wait for the other games involving Lebanon to clinch a berth in the next round.

Spiker Kim Yo-han was almost unstoppable, scoring 27 points, including two blocks.

Yun Bong-woo and team captain Kang Dong-jin were equally dominant at the net with 13 and 12 hits, respectively, while Park Jun-Bum chipped in 10 kills.

The Koreans, cheered on by huge a Korean crowd, used their quickness to pile up points through their clever drop shots in the first set.

But the Aussies tied the count at 1-1 by taking the second set but this only fired up Koreans who opened the third frame with an avalanche of scorching winners.

Kang and Kim led Korea’s attack in the last two frames to secure the win.

The Aussies had 14 blocks against only 9 for the Koreans but the latter were more creative and sharper on offense.

They converted 62 points on 130 tries against 46-of-111 by the Aussies.

Meanwhile, the Philippine team tries to keep its flickering title hopes alive when it clashes with Taiwan in Pool A at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Filipinos must beat the Taiwanese to keep the slims hopes alive after dropping their first two games, including one against Myanmar.

“I’m still optimistic on our team. They have a fighting heart. Kahit na wala kaming experience compared sa ibang team, makakaya din namin,” said RP team coach Sammy Acaylar.