China returned from the abyss being two sets down and facing seven match points in the third set to beat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling five-set clash in the 2006 men's volleyball World Championships in Saitama, Japan on Tuesday.

The Chinese team beat Egypt 22-25, 22-25, 32-20, 25-20 and 18-16 for their second victory in the tournament.

Shen Qiong scored 23 points to lead the Chinese team while Yu Dawei and captain Sui Shengshen contributed 13 points each.

Ahmed Abd Elnaeim led Egypt with 22 points with Hamdy Award on 17 and Saleh Youssef on 12.

China will face Puerto Rico on Thursday, the last day of the group round first stage, while Egypt, who had one win out of four group matches, will play Argentina.

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2006)