It took Russia one hour and a half to grasp the important win in Group B by 20-25, 25-23, 25-27 and 25-12.

China started well against the Olympic runner-up. With Zhou Suhong and Liu Yanan hitting from the middle and Yao Hao and Wang Yimei striking from the sides, the Chinese stayed the lead early in 8-2.

China maintained the five points lead until the set before Xu Yunli had a fast-breaking attack in the middle to win the opening set 25-20.

But the thing changed totally in the second set. On back of powerful services of Elena Godina and Ekaterina Gamova, Russia staged a 5-1 run for a 20-18 lead and held on to pull on set back at 25-23.

The following two sets were much easier for Russia and they raced to a 20-12 lead in the third. China struggled to cut the deficit to 17-24, but could not stop Lioubov Shashkova's powerful spike from left side of the net and surrender the set 17-25.

In the fourth set, Russia continued their winning momentum, powering to the victory with Gamova concluding the match with a serve.

Gamova scored eight of Russia's last nine points.

Russia will face Dominican Republic on Sunday, last day of the first stage of the tournament, while China to clash with Germany.