The trio recorded the identical four wins and five losses in the preliminary round, from which Russia, Sweden and Canada had already qualified.

Italy will face China first with the winner to play against Japan for advancing on Wednesday.

China saw its four-point lead evaporated before it nailed down the winning point on the last round to beat Switzerland 9-8, while Italy held on to beat Britain 7-6.

Japan had an easy 9-3 victory over South Korea.