Leaders China, US fight hard for 3-2 win, to meet on Monday

SAPPORO, Japan - China and United States both survived a five-set thriller against their respective opponents here on Sunday at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup to continue their lead on the table with a 6-0 record. Russia fended off Serbia 3-1 to sit third, four points behind the leaders.

Despite losing their first two sets at the tournament, China managed to withstand the challenge from a Brazilian side without captain Fabiana Claudino 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-8. Zhu Ting and Yuan Xinyue tied for a game-high 26 points for the defending champions. Gabriela Braga Guimaraes led Brazil's attackers with 20 points.

"I think unity and concentration are the reasons we were able to win," captain Zhu told Xinhua after the match."