China and Italy picked up its first win at the third week of the World Volleyball Grand Prix on Friday.

Chunlei Zeng and Ting Zhu had an impressive opening day match against Thailand as both players combined for 20 points to lead the Chinese 29-27, 25-18, 20-25, 25-15 at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

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Both teams came out strong converting their attacks to force the first set into a tiebreak but the Thais felt the pressure and finally gave in to a 27-29 loss.

Zeng and Zhu traded spikes in the second set finishing Thailand easily and carried it on to the third set maintaining a two point lead up until the 14-12 mark.

Led by team captain Wilavan Apinyapong, the Thais seemingly unaffected with a 2-0 deficit, tightening up their defense and producing well-timed attacks to carry them over the top in the third set.

After a few adjustments made by coach Jenny Lang Ping, the taller Chinese flew high above the net to block shots from the Thai taking the set and the match 

Ping assessed the match later, saying the team still has a lot of room for improvement especially in the reception and blocking arena. "It's always a good learning experience playing with Thailand," Ping said.

In the first match of Pool F, Italy faced Japan in a five-setter 25-20, 25-17, 21-25, 20-25, 15-11.
 Italy quickly took over the match by easily winning the first two sets. Japan responded  with back-to-back sets by mounting a series of rallies of their own to force a deciding fifth set.

 Nadia Centoni took charge of Italy's fortunes, leading the way with her powerful attacks to close out the match.

Centoni finished the match with an impressive 25 points, 21 points off attacks and four points from blocks.

China will face Japan next while Italy will go up against Thailand on Saturday.

In other Division 1 matches, defending champions and hosts Brazil shut out South Korea while second seed USA was triumphant against Russia in Pool D held at the Ginasio Do Ibirapuera in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Pool E host nation Turkey had a tough five-set loss against the Dominican Republic and Germany closed out Serbia in straight sets. 

TagsJenny Lang Ping, Chunlei Zeng, Ting Zhu, Nadia Centoni