Brazil won the FIVB World Grand Prix in Bangkok ©FIVB

Brazil's women laid down a huge marker ahead of their home Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by winning the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Grand Prix in Bangkok today.

The Brazilians saw off the United States after a thrilling five sets in a final which was a rematch of the past two Olympic gold medal clashes.

Both of those games - at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 - also went Brazil's way and they will now be full of confidence ahead of Rio 2016 where they will be a big home hope for gold in a country which loves the sport.

They saw off the US, the defending Grand Prix champions, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23, 22-25, 15-9 in a contest which swung back and forth at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in the Thai capital.

Brazil will go into Rio 2016 in good spirits following their Grand Prix success ©FIVB
Brazil will go into Rio 2016 in good spirits following their Grand Prix success ©FIVB

Fabiana Claudino top-scored for the Brazilians with 18 points as Sheilla Castro De Paula Blassioli also added a notable contribution with 14.

Brazil coach Jose Roberto Lages Guimaraes said: “I’m glad that we won. 

"I’m really proud of my players. 

"They did a very good job.

"We will work on to improve our weak points to get ready for the Olympic Games. 

"Thank you Thailand for hosting a wonderful tournament. 

"We look forward to coming back here again."

Earlier, The Netherlands shocked Russia by coming from two sets down to win bronze.

The Dutch outlasted their opponents 18-25, 23-25, 30-28, 25-21, 15-9.