?Russia maintained their unbeaten run by defeating China 3-0 on Wednesday in a pool D match at the FIVB Women's World Championship in Osaka Municipal City Gymnasium.

The defending champions were faced with quick and powerful attack from Athens Olympic champions China in the first set and did not control it until the last a few minutes. They won the set 25-22.

Russia almost dominated the next two sets, though confronting stronger attack from their opponents.

The Russians had defeated the Dominican Republic, Turkey, Canada and South Korea in the previous matches.

"The match had given full play to our advantages," said Chinese coach Yu Juemin. "And our players were courageous and worked very hard in it."

The loss was partly due to the height of the Russians, Yu said. He believed his team had gradually recovered to their normal styles and levels after the match against the Dominican Republic.

Tuesday's victory helped secure a spot for the second round for the powerhouse. China had been beaten by Turkey and South Korea in the previous matches.

Russian coach Kuzyutkin Vladimir commented after the match that his team had acquired the maximum points thanks to effective blocking and attacks. But, he also said that the Chinese played wonderfully in the match.

China will play Japan when moving to Tokyo for the knockout round, as Yu expected his team to be concentrated, mentally and physically, in the following matches.