China took the first points on offer in the opening pool match of the 2006 FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round.

The reigning Olympic champions defeated Cuba 3-1.

After losing the first set 25-19, Cuba fought back to win the second 25-21, and only narrowly lost the third.

After China took the first nine points of the third set, the noisy support of the Cuban Volleyball Federation's new president, former national team star Raul Diago Izquierdo, helped Cuba recover.

The Cubans lost the third set by only two points 25-23, but China rallied in style to take the fourth 25-16.

Following the match, Cuba's head coach Felipe Calderon showed a lot of respect for the Chinese side.

"This was a victory by a champion team. They were very strong and highly focused. They deserved the victory,' he said.

China will face Italy on Friday after Cuba faces the Azzurri today.

Defending champion Brazil also won Wednesday, beating Russia 25-15, 25-19, 25-22, taking their streak to 10-0. Brazil, vying for its third straight World Grand Prix, will face Japan on Friday.

(fivb.org September 7, 2006)