Intro:

Brazil consolidated their lead at the top of the World Grand Prix Finals standings with a 3-0 win over Serbia in Sapporo on Saturday (31st August).

Script:

Brazil made it four wins out of four at the World Grand Prix Finals after prevailing over Serbia on Saturday.

The first set was a tight tussle, but a superb spike on set point from Fernanda Rodrigues put Brazil on their way by a 27-25 margin.

Serbia continued to battle hard in the second set but Brazil always had the edge - Gabriela Guimaraes smashing one over to seal the set 25-21.

It was Guimaraes who put the finishing touch on the victory - a strong hit to give Brazil the third set 25-22.

Next up for the Olympic champions are China, who had to do it the hard way against hosts Japan.

It all appeared to be straightforward for China when they cruised to the first set 16-25, but, backed by an enthusiastic crowd in Sapporo, Japan came storming back.

The hosts captured the second set 25-18 and pushed China all the way in the third.

However, Japan did manage to force a deciding fifth set as Yukiko Ebata crashed the ball over to win set four 25-21.

But despite the vocal home support, Japan fell just short - a great block from Jingsi Shen handing them victory as they took the
decider 15-13.

China are now unbeaten in thirteen matches - but will have to make a quick recovery before facing the Brazilians.