MACAU (AP) _ Defending champion Brazil powered past China in
three straight sets Sunday to retain its lead in the preliminary
round of the women's volleyball World Grand Prix.
The undefeated Brazilians beat the No. 4-ranked Chinese 25-22,
25-19, 25-17 to finish the first two preliminary rounds with a 6-0
record. Brazil, vying for its third straight World Grand Prix, also
defeated the Dominican Republic 3-2 on Friday and downed the United
States 3-1 Saturday.
Russia, 5-1, was in second place overall after beating
fifth-ranked Japan 25-23, 25-17, 25-21 in Seoul. The Russians earned
a hard-fought win over Poland 3-2 on Saturday along with a 3-1
defeat of host South Korea the day before.
Italy leave Taipei, Taiwan ranked third, despite a loss to Cuba
on Sunday. The Cubans, ranked sixth, were the first to defeat the
Italians this tournament, winning 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 25-18. The
Italians also beat Azerbaijian 3-2 and Thailand 3-1
Japan is fifth on the tournament standings after a pair of 3-0
victories over South Korea and Poland.
Russia, Italy, China and Japan all have 5-0 records so far and
are separated only by points won-and-lost.
The third leg will be played next week, with the top five teams,
plus the host Italy, contesting the finals from Sept. 6-10 in Reggio
Calabria.
