World No. 1 Poland took care of business against Türkiye, 25-15, 25-22, 25-19, in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship quarterfinals on Wednesday, September 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

With this, the highest-ranked team in the globe has advanced to the next round — their fourth consecutive semis appearance, booking a date with fellow powerhouse Italy, the defending champion of the tournament.

Their rematch with the World No. 2 team would be a highly anticipated battle, as only one squad among them would advance to the championship round.

“It was a good game, for sure. We did everything what we wanted, what we prepared before the game,” said Polish middle blocker Jakub Kochanowski, who poured in a game-high 13 points on seven attacks, three blocks, and three aces.

Outside spiker Leon Venero also had 13 points, anchored on nine attacks and three blocks, as 37-year-old winger Bartosz Kurek made his presence felt with 10 markers.

After cruising to a 2-0 lead, it was still the Poland crew which dictated the tone of the match, ending it with a 4-0 finishing kick, built on Kurek’s back-to-back kills, and Kochanowski’s two consecutive points on the service line.

Meanwhile, the Turks, who barged into the Final 8 for the first time, concluded their magical run. (ABS-CBN News)