The match in Bulgaria finished 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 to the French side, sending them top of the pool on seven points.

France now have two wins and a loss from their three matches.

The other match in Pool B today saw The Netherlands beat China 25-21, 25-13, 23-25, 25-13 to gain their first win of the tournament.

In Pool A, a win for Slovenia against Japan was not enough to knock co-hosts Italy off the top of the standings.

Slovenia won 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 25-13 to move onto six points, though they still sit behind Italy, who are yet to lose a set.

Argentina meanwhile beat the Dominican Republic 26-24, 25-15, 25-15.

Australia and Russia both picked up their first wins of the tournament in Pool C by seeing off Cameroon and Tunisia respectively.

Australia came from a set down to win 21-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-20, while Russia won 25-19, 25-6, 25-19.

In Pool D’s matches today, co-hosts Bulgaria and Finland both won, but reigning champions Poland remain top of the group.

Bulgaria, who are co-hosting the tournament alongside Italy, won 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 against Puerto Rico who sit bottom of the pool, while Finland beat Cuba 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16.

Pool play is scheduled to continue tomorrow.