Asian runners-up China swept Egypt 3-0 in Hiroshima on Thursday to claim their first win at the 2003 men's volleyball World Cup.

The Chinese snapped their three-match losing streak with a 25-22, 25-20 and 31-29 victory in the Hiroshima Green Arena.

"I am very glad that we got the first victory at the World Cup," said Chinese head coach Di Anhe. "All the teams competing at theWorld Cup are very strong, and it's not easy for us to record a win."

"We made good preparation for the match, and we are playing better and better," Di added.

Playing against the winless Egyptians, China looked more confident than in their first three matches. They had good receiving throughout the match and got their quick attack going.

The first set was hotly contested as the two sides exchanged leads to tie it 20-all. Then China improved to 23-20 before Shi Hairong clinched the opener for them with two consecutive smashes.

Overwhelmed in the second set though, Egypt fought bravely in the third. They overcame a 23-21 deficit to go up 25-24.

However, the confident Chinese spikers withstood five Egyptian set points in a row on back of consecutive kills by Shen Qiong fora 30-29 advantage. The 22-year-old Shen then delivered an ace to secure the victory.

"We made too many errors today," said Egypt head coach Veselin Vukovic. "If we did not make so many errors, maybe we could win one set."

Shen finished with 17 kills, two aces and one block to lead China with 20 points. Although, the Most Impressive Player rewardfor the match went to Chinese captain Shi Hairong, who added 13 points.

"Who won the MIP award is not so important. what we need is a victory," Shen said. "We played well today and I hope we can continue to do well in the next matches."

In Hamamatsu, South Korea beat France 20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21 and Venezuela defeated Tunisia 25-23, 25-21, 25-22.

(People's Daily   November 21, 2003)