The taller players of China proved dominant as they shut out Japan in straight sets at the World Volleyball Grand Prix on Saturday.

The Chinese nationals used their height advantage beating the much smaller team of Japan 25-16, 25-14, 25-22.

Ting Zhu went on a rampage again for China as she top-scored with 16 attacks and six blocks.

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The match was all China in the early sets as they quickly mounted a 2-0 advantage, but Japan staged a comeback on the third set grabbing the lead at 16-14.

After a time-out, Ting made her presence felt once more, leading the China attack to tie the match at 18. Japan sued for time twice to defuse the momentum, but China pressed on to take the match.

Chinese coach Jenny Lang Ping was satisfied with her player's performance, but she pointed out that the team still "needs to reduce fluctuating performances when facing difficult moments."

In an earlier match, Italy dominated a younger and inexperienced Thailand squad 25-19, 25-21, 25-23.

Nadia Centoni and Caterina Bosetti led the way for the Italians with 12 points each, while Onuma Sittirak top-scored for the Thais with 17 points.

China has now 10 points in the overall standings, and they are tied at second with Italy and Turkey. Defending champion Brazil remained ahead at the leaderboards with 15 points.

In other Division 1 matches, Brazil shut out Russia, while the U.S. also won their match against South Korea.

TagsJenny Lang Ping, Nadia Centoni, Caterina Bosetti, Ting Zhu, volleyball