The Dutchman notched up 22 points with the ball in Japan which saw him ranked first in player value with 28.2 points in Utsunomiya in Japan.

Amsterdam pulled off a thrilling 21-19 win against one of the pre-tournament favourites Riga before dispatching Tokyo 22-13 in Pool D to set up a knockout round clash with Vienna.

Riga confirmed their progression with a 21-11 win against the side from the capital where Nauris Miezis scored 15 points to outscore the entire opposition team.

The Latvians are due to meet Antwerp in the last eight, a side boasting Thibaut Vervoort.

The Belgian Olympian recorded eight key assists, the most in the competition, 12 total highlights and was second in points scored with 20 and player value with 26.4.

His side beat Vienna 21-18 and Jeddah 21-15 in Pool B to top the group while Vienna's 21-10 win against Jeddah was enough to see them advance.

World Tour reigning champions Liman also got off on the right foot with wins over Sakiai from Lithuania and local favourites Utsunomiya in Pool C.

They are set to face number one ranked team Ub in an all-Serbian clash for a place in the semi-finals.

The United States' Princeton reached the title game in Utsunomiya the last time the World Tour was in the city.

They shocked Ub in the opening game 21-17 before also defeating Lausanne 22-15 in Pool A.

The are set to play Šakiai in the next round following a second place finish in Pool C.

The action is due to conclude tomorrow with all of the knockout fixtures due to be played before the final.