Bahrain suffered their first defeat, bowing to hosts Japan 3-1 in the 21st Asian Volleyball Championship yesterday.
Bahrain made a strong start, edging ahead 25-24 in the first set, but top-seeded Japan bounced back to claim the remaining sets 25-17, 25-23, 25-16.
Bahrain, who powered past India in the opener, will have to beat Qatar today to book a berth in the second round.