Serbia were two sets down but recovered superbly to win 22-25, 22-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-12 and bring an end to Russia’s six-match winning streak. 

Serbia’s Tijana Boskovic matched the output of opponent Nataliya Obmochaeva with 27 points as she and her team mates made it six wins out of seven.

"We are very satisfied to beat a strong opponent like Russia," said Serbia captain Maja Ognjenovic.

"It was tough to get back into the match after losing the first two sets.

"We weren't brave enough in the first two sets but I'm glad that we could win.

"We hope to continue like this in the next matches."

Elsewhere in Sendai, the Dominican Republic showed no ill effects from back-to-back defeats against hosts Japan and Serbia to claim a 25-18, 25-19, 22-25, 25-17 victory over Peru with Yonkaira Paola Pena Isabel charting 17 markers.

There was also a win for the home country Japan, overcoming Asian rivals South Korea 25-17, 26-24, 25-17 as Miyu Nagaoka and Sarina Koga led their offence on 15 points each.

Meanwhile in Okayama, Cuba ended a torrid run of five successive losses by defeating winless Algeria 25-17, 25-16, 25-14.

Sulian Caridad Matienzo Linares top scored for Cuba with 18 points, followed by Heidy Margarita Rodriguez Lopez who added another 10.

Joining Japan, Russia and Serbia with six wins from seven were the United States and China thanks to straight-set triumphs against Argentina and Kenya respectively.

Four US players - Kimberly Hill, Karsta Lowe, Jordan Larson-Burbach and Foluke Akinradewo - racked up 49 points between them to equal Argentina’s overall contribution in a 25-16, 25-19, 25-14 victory, while Yung Jianjing and Liu Xiaotong scored 13 points apiece to fire China to a 25-7, 25-15, 25-14 success.

The action in Japan is due to continue tomorrow as the second round reaches its conclusion. 

Sendai will play host to Russia’s clash with Peru before the Dominican Republic face South Korea and Japan meet Serbia.

Kenya and Algeria begin proceedings in Okayama followed by Argentina’s meeting with China and Cuba’s contest with the US.


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