US, China off to winning start to FIVB volleyball World Grand Prix

Defending champions the United States opened their FIVB women's volleyball World Grand Prix campaign with a convincing 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-12) win against Germany here on Friday.

Meanwhile, hosts China overwhelmed Thailand 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-11) in a repeat of last week's Montreux Volleyball Masters final. China were crowned champions of the Montreux Masters for the sixth time on June 5 after defeating Thailand 3-0 in the final in Switzerland.

The Chinese team was given a hard time in the early stages of the game as Thailand's fast-paced style forced errors out of their Asian opponents.

But with Zhu Ting and Zhang Changning efficient in attacks, the home side gradually took the upper hand and closed out the match in 70 minutes. Zhu won 18 points for China, 15 of those from her lethal spikes. Zhang added 10 points.

"Congratulations to China. They showed us the best of their game. It seemed it's the most difficult game against China in recent years. Very difficult, very hard. We learned a lot of things from China today," said Thailand coach Radchatagriengkai Kiattipong.

Chinese coach Lang Ping also paid tribute to the Thai team.

"Thailand is well known for playing very quick game. We had a difficult time in the first set, during which we made many errors. Luckily, we gradually took the control. But we also wasted some good scoring opportunities. That's what we need to improve," said Lang.

Earlier in the day, Kelsey Robinson helped the US side begin their defence of their FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix title on a winning note.

It was the 250th World Grand Prix match for the world No.1 and they marked it in style, with Robinson scoring nine spikes and two blocks and Kim Hill claiming two aces.

The US ruthlessly attacked, charging to a 12-7 lead before German coach Felix Koslowski called for a time out. But that just allowed the Americans to regroup and a reception error allowed them to take the first set 25-15.

The US carried their momentum into the second set, taking an 8-3 lead into the second technical time-out. Germany continued to commit errors - contributing to the 23 throughout the match - gifting the second set to the United States despite a late ace from Wlebke Silge.

US coach Karch Kiraly maintained the same starting six in the third as he had all match, with the side functioning perfectly together. This was made all the more evident with the continued powerful attacks raining down on the German reception, with the defending champions carving out a 17-7 lead. From there it was a simple stretch to 25-12 as they set down a strong marker for the rest of their Group 1 rivals.

Coach Koslowski believed that defense made the difference.

"They had a great game, showed us how to play volleyball. Their defense is great, their set after the defense is also great. Defence was the difference between the two teams. I hope we could improve a bit through the following games," said Koslowski.

The second day will see USA versus Thailand and China facing Germany. China will encounter the same team that beat them to the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2014, USA, on Sunday. Endit