In a more consistent performance, China defeated Italy in four sets to take over second place at Division 1 of the ongoing Federation of International Volleyball Bureau (FIVB) World Grand Prix on Sunday.

With home court advantage at Hong Kong, the Chinese nationals avenged their five set loss against Italy last week as they went on to defeat the Italians 25-20, 25-18, 22-25, 25-16.

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Chunlei Zeng was all over the court as she top scored for China with 20 points, 13 points coming from attacks, three from blocks and four service aces. Opposite her was Ting Zhu who added 19 points, 14 points from attacks and five block shots.

Coach Jenny Lang Ping of China pointed out that in last week's loss against Italy at Sassari, the team did not perform well due to attacks that were not smart enough, but made adjustments in Sunday's matchup.

"We enhanced our quick attacks in today's match," Ping said.

In the other Pool F match, Japan won against Thailand in four sets 3-1 with Saori Nimura leading the Japanese squad converting 13 attacks, two blocks and two service aces.

China is now in second place with 13 points tied with Turkey behind the defending champions Brazil with 18 points.

In other Division 1 matches, Brazil continues its domination at Pool D as they shut out the United States, 3-0.

South Korea had a momentous game against Russia as team captain Kim Yeon-Koung proved to be unstoppable over the net as she delivered an amazing 42 points, 38 coming from attacks, three from blocks and a service ace.

In Pool E, hosts Turkey defeated Germany in a four set matchup while Serbia clobbered the Dominican Republic in three straight sets.

All teams are now heading toward their next destination for another round of volleyball. They have been segregated into new Pools that will start Friday.

Thailand will play hosts in Pool G at Bangkok with countries from Brazil, USA and the Dominican Republic.

Pool H will host Russia, Italy, Germany and Turkey at the DS Yantarny in Kaliningrad, Russia while Pool I will be in Macau with China, Serbia, Japan and South Korea.

TagsKim Yeon-Koung, Saori Nimura, Chunlei Zeng, Ting Zhu, volleyball