China rallied late to win over the Dominican Republic while Italy took out Japan in straight sets at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Italy on Saturday.

The Chinese nationals got off to a fast start as they overpowered the Dominican Republic to take the first two sets but the latter will not be taken down without a fight as they rallied behind Bethania De La Cruz to take the third and fourth sets to force a fifth and deciding set.

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In the fifth set, China's unspoken hero came shining through as middle blocker Yunli Xu sealed the net and the victory 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 20-25, 15-10.

Ting Zhu led the Chinese squad with 23 points, 20 points from attacks and three block points while team captain De La Cruz top scored the Dominican Republic with an amazing 37 points.

"We played against a very strong team," China coach Jenny Lang Ping said. "Our opponents were very good in defense and at blocking. I knew it would be a five setter, so I gave my starters some time to rest in the fourth set so that they could be fresher in the decider."

China will take on host nation Italy on Sunday to determine who will be the top placer in Pool E.

Even though the Dominican Republic lost the match, they have also advanced into the third round after Italy defeated Japan in straight sets 25-23, 25-20, 25-19.

Italy dominated the Japanese nationals as Nadia Centoni streaked pass blockers to lead the Italians with 18 points while Miyu Nagaoka top scored for Japan with 13 points.

Japan will face off against the Dominican Republic on Sunday in a no-bearing game but pride is on the line for the Japanese squad and they will surely put up a good fight.

China, Italy and the Dominican Republic have advanced to the third round which is scheduled to start Wednesday.

TagsYunli Xu, Ting Zhu, Jenny Lang Ping, Nadia Centoni