Beijing.– China persevered for a 25-18, 25-27, 21-25, 25-21, 15-13 victory over Cuba in Hong Kong on June 27 to improve its record to 4-0 in the Preliminary Round of the FIVB World Grand Prix 2008.

At the post-match press conference, Chinese head coach Chen Zhonghe said that both teams played well and that the Chinese team was well prepared. He also added that the Chinese team's offence worked soundly and that the team succeeded in varying their tactics.

Also in Pool F, Italy romped to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-22) victory over Japan to maintain an unbeaten record. With four wins and no losses each, Italy and China are now tied in points at the top of the standings.

In Pool D, Brazil controlled the tempo of the match and defeated Kazakhstan 25-10, 25-17 and 25-19. In the second match held in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, Turkey won the game with a score of 25-21, 25-22, 25-27, 25-18, though the German girls made some really powerfully attacks.

Host Poland failed to overpower the Dominican Republic 1-3 (22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 20-25) in Wroclaw Centennial Hall. The other match between the USA and Thailand attracted more Polish spectators. The USA beat Thailand 25-18, 25-17, 26-28, 25-13 to end the Pool F match.

"For us it's important not only to win, but also to improve our teamwork," said Jenny Lang Ping, the head coach of the USA team. "Our main goal is to prepare for the Olympic Games and that's what we want to use this tournament for, but we also want to get to the final six."

With no wins in the Preliminary Round tournament, Poland, Thailand and Kazakhstan stay at the bottom of the standings.