Defending champions Russia racked up their fifth consecutive Pool D victory with a straight sets triumph over China on the final day of first-round action at the FIVB Volleyball World Champion.

From the outset it ws a game defined by powerful performers, with the like of Wang Yimen, Tatiana Kosheleva and Ekaterina Gamova trading titanic spikes.

With China having trouble dealing with Russia's height advantage, it was no surprise that Vladimir Kuzyutkin's side won consecutive points and China had to keep up with that pace.

Russia won the first set 25-22.

The Russians put Yu Juemin's team in a deep hole when they claimed the second set 25-17.

And there was no way out for the Asian side as Russia concluded matters 25-19 in the final set, ending it on another Gamova spike.China progressed to next round with two wins and three defeats.

Yu Juemin, the national team coach said, "Russia is volleyball powerhouse and they played really well today. During the match, they are always giving us pressure in serving, blocking and spikes. However, our players from the very beginning to the end are also fighting hard and treat every move very seriously.

All in all, from the aspect of technique and strategy, our players had a normal performance today."

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