The United States has swept defending champion China 3-0 to secure their place in the semi-finals of the 2004 World Grand Prix Finals women's volleyball tournament.

The Americans will play Italy on Friday in the last match of Pool A. Even if they lose the match 3-0, they can still qualify for the semis.

The Chinese women, who beat the United States 3-2 two weeks ago in the Hong Kong leg of the Grand Prix preliminaries, were not in shape. The scores were 25-23, 25-18 and 25-20.

Also on Thursday, Cuba whitewashed Germany 3-0 for its second straight win in Pool B plus a place in the semi-finals. Brazil, who suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to Cuba on Wednesday, will clash with Germany on Friday to vie for a berth in top four.

Six teams are competing in two groups in round-robin format with top two finishers from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. (Photo source: sohu.com)

(CRI July 30, 2004)