The team from the next Summer Olympic Games host nation defeated their challengers 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-17 at the Spodek Sports Hall in Katowice to ensure they progress leading Pool F with a full nine points.

Olympic champions Russia come next in Pool F with eight points after a tough match today at Gdańsk's Ergo Arena that saw them coming back after a tie to overcome Bulgaria 20-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 15-11, followed by Germany on six points, who defeated South Korea 25-13, 25-16, 25-21 in Katowice.

Canada are next on five points - along with Bulgaria - after they overcame China 26-24, 27-25, 25-17 in Gdańsk.

"It was a good match for China especially in the first two sets, they really tried hard to win," Canada captain Frederic Winters said.

"On our part, I am very happy about the fact that when they were leading, we managed to make a comeback.

"In the succeeding parts, we had full control of the crucial points.

"Hopefully we can prepare ourselves even better for the next round and perform better in all departments."

Finland's 18-25, 14-25, 20-25 victory over Tunisia in Katowice sees them sitting in third from bottom in the group on two points, with Cuba following behind on one point and China bottom with no points.

Poland leads Pool E with nine points as the Volleyball World Championship enters Round II ©Getty Images


Meanwhile, Poland tops Pool E with nine points after their 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 thrashing of Argentina at the Hala Stulecia in Wrocław today.

"We are very happy with today's match," Poland captain Michał Winiarski said.

"We achieved our goal since we are in the next round with all the points.

"The last part was well levelled but we managed to win.

"Now we have some time to prepare and to focus on the next matches.

"We go to Lodz and every match will be vital so we cannot make any mistakes."

France follow on seven points after today's close 25-14, 21-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-12 tie with Belgium at the Kraków Arena, then comes Serbia on six points after they defeated Cameroon 25-21, 24-26, 29-27, 25-17 in Wrocław.

Iran are then on five points after they overcame Puerto Rico 25-17, 25-22, 25-14 in Kraków, while the United States have four points after they also proved victorious in Kraków with a 18-25, 20-25, 25-23, 17-25 win over Italy.

Argentina and Italy are next on three and two points respectively, while Australia sits bottom with no points.

Tomorrow and Tuesday (September 9) are rest and travel days and Round II is scheduled to get underway in Łódź, Bydgoszcz, Katowice and Wrocław on Wednesday (September 10).

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