Defending champions Brazil saved a match point in the final set before beating Athens Olympic bronze medalists Cuba in the World Grand Prix women's volleyball final round yesterday.
The Brazilians were down 13-14 in the final set but steadied themselves when it mattered to claim the next three points and seal the win.
They came out on top with a 25-16, 21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 16-14 victory, avenging their loss in the bronze-medal playoff in the Athens Olympics.
PHOTO: AFP
Earlier in the day, world champions Italy pulled off a stunning 25-16, 25-21, 25-22 victory over 2004 Olympic gold medalists China.
"I'm satisfied very much that we defeated China twice in a row," said Italian coach Marco Bonitta, whose women also defeated China 3-0 in last weekend's qualifying round.
"I don't think the Chinese were stable mentally at the beginning. They started to pick up their game in the second set," Bonnita said.
Italy and Brazil remained unbeaten in the six-team round robin with two wins each.
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