After winning their opening game of the final six stage against hosts Thailand yesterday, the Olympic hosts saw off Russia 25-22, 25-10, 25-21 to cruise into the semi-finals.

It means that the Brazilians have laid down another marker at the showpiece women's tournament, ahead of their Olympic defence in Rio de Janeiro where they will be a big home hope for gold having won at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 

Sheilla Castro was in excellent form in Brazil's attack line, where she scored all of her 14 markers.

Her country are now the confirmed winners of the three team pool J1, with Thailand and Russia meeting for the second semi-final spot available tomorrow.

Brazil coach Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes said: "We really played a good match. 

"Now we are first in the pool. 

"We are waiting for the matches tomorrow to find out which team we will meet in the semi-finals."

In Pool K1, The Netherlands recovered from their straight sets defeat to defending champions United States yesterday by beating China in five.

The Dutch came through 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 15-8 to keep their hopes of the last four alive.

Lonneke Sloetjes was the star of the show, posting 31 markers, comprised of 25 spikes, five blocks and an ace.

The result send the Americans, who will meet China tomorrow, through to the last four but who will join them and the placings in the group is still to be decided.