Japan got off to a winning start in the World Grand Championship Cup in women's volleyball Tuesday, beating Olympic bronze-medalist Brazil in straight sets.
Chikako Kumamae scored a team-high 12 attacking points and Sachiko Sugiyama had four key block points at Saitama Super Arena as Japan, shutting down the Brazilians with resilient defense, rolled to a surprise 26-24, 25-20, 25-22 victory.
In Tuesday's other matches, Yang Hao led her team with 26 points and Zhou Suhong and Zhao Rulrui each had 19 as China also got off to a fine start by beating Olympic silver-medal winner Russia 33-35, 25-21, 25-19, 27-25. South Korea downed the United States 25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23.