Defending champion China came back from one set down to beat Italy 3-1 on Sunday to win the Hong Kong leg of the 2004 World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament with three straight wins.

Coming off a five-set thrilling victory over the United States on Saturday, China looked a little tired in the first set. They went out of fire after a 10-10 draw, seeing Italy pull away with a 12-3 run to take the opener at 25-17.

The World Cup title-holder roared back with sharpened spear to clinch the next two sets 25-21 and 25-23.

The fourth set was hotly contested before the two sides fought to a 24-24 tie. Elisa Togut spiked a ball out to give China its second match point and Yang Hao converted it with a solid smash.

Yang made 20 kills to lead China with 22 points. Zhang Ping and Wang Li'na added 17 and 12 respectively.

Earlier on Saturday, the United States beat Thailand 3-0 to finish second with two wins against one loss. Italy was third with a 1-2 record and the Thais came in fourth after three straight losses.

Twelve teams are competing in the 2004 World Grand Prix in three groups with the host Italy and five other best finishers from three rounds of preliminaries to qualify for the Finals set for July 27 to August 1 in Reggio Calabria, Italy.

Feng Kun (R) from China reacted with her teammates after winning the final match against Italy during the Hong Kong leg of the World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament in Hong Kong, China, July 18, 2004. China won the match 3-1 and claimed the title. (Xinhua Photo)

Wang Lina (R) from China spiked the ball over Italy's defenders during a final match of the Hong Kong leg of the World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament in Hong Kong, China, July 18, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

Zhang Ping (L) from China spiked the ball over an unidentified defender from Italy during a final match of the Hong Kong leg of the World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament in Hong Kong, China, July 18, 2004.  (Xinhua Photo)

(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2004)