The Chinese women's volleyball team beat Thailand 3-0 on Friday at the preliminary round of the FIVB World Grand Prix in Hong Kong.

China won over Thailand with scores of 25-20, 25-19, and 25-22, despite Chinese key player Zhou Suhong being out of the match due to injury.

Chinese coach Chen Zhonghe trained young players during the match against Thailand. Young Chinese player Xu Yunli put in a good performance in Friday's match.

In another match, European powerhouse Russia turned over Azerbaijan 3-2 after losing their first two games.

China will meet Azerbaijan Saturday, and the preliminary round will come to an end on Sunday.

(CRI.com August 19, 2006)