Intro:

China, Brazil and Serbia all completed comfortable wins at the World Grand Prix Finals in Sapporo, Japan on Friday (30th August).

Script:

The USA's three year run as champions of the volleyball World Grand Prix came to an end on Friday as they suffered their third successive defeat at the hands of China.

A long shot from the USA's Kimberley Hill on matchpoint sealed victory for China in three sets; 25-20, 25-23, 25-17.

China are now second in the standings, one point behind Brazil - who overcame Italy on Friday.

Thaisa Menezes led the way for Brazil as she picked up 16 points - to end the first set 25-16.

Italy put up more resistance in the second set, with Brazil having to fend off a set point before edging it 26-24.

But, with a 2-0 cushion, Brazil turned on the style in the third set - winning it 25-11 to claim the win.

And elsewhere Serbia moved up to third with a straightforward win over hosts Japan - 25-22, 25-17, 25-19.