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China suffers third straight loss at volleyball GP

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-22 08:16

TOKYO: Athens Olympics winners China met with the third straight loss in the final round of the women's volleyball World Grand Prix here on Friday after falling to Russia 3-1.

China's Wang Yimei reacts after losing a point during the final round match against Russia during the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix in Tokyo August 21, 2009. [Agencies]

China squandered the early lead to lose 27-29, 25-16, 25-19, 25-23 to the world champions.

Chinese coach Cai Bin said he was satisfied with his team's spirit.

"This is a young team full of spirit, which I am satisfied with although they made mistakes in the match," he said.

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"But they are tired and lack of experience. There is some gap between the team and top teams in the world," he added.

China next faces hosts Japan.

China, Russia, Germany, Brazil, Japan and the Netherlands compete at the round-robin tournament starting on Wednesday here and running through to Sunday.