Olympic and World Cup champion China beat the US 3-2 Friday for its opening win at the 2006 World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament in Macao.

 

The US, coached by China's volleyball legend Lang Ping, imposed great pressure on the Chinese team, as the Americans managed to claim the first set with 27-25.

 

Facing the comparatively low-profile Americans, China bounced back from the first set gloom and commandeered the court with the powerful blocks and spikes before Wang Yimei sealed the second set 25-22 with a smash.

 

The US squeezed back with its tireless defense and quick attack. China, however, secured another set win 25-22 in the third.

 

Lang's team dominated the fourth set, surging at 18-10 and clinching the win at 25-20.

 

In the last set, the two teams tied 1-1, 6-6, 10-10, 12-12, 13-13 and 14-14. The more experienced Chinese team wrapped up the set 16-14. It was the third clash between China and the US since Lang Ping took the coaching post of the latter. The two teams each won one match in the previous two encounters.

 

China coach Chen Zhonghe told a press conference after the match that the team failed to perform well and the 19-year-old new power Xu Yunli needed to improve her serving skill.

 

Lang Ping said her team did better than what she expected.

 

Brazil beat Dominica 3-2 in the opening game earlier on Friday. The four teams are vying for the title in the round-robin format.

 

China will play Dominica on Saturday while Brazil take on the US.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2006)