Macao, China, 3 August 2013 - China continued their winning ways in the 2013 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix with a straight-set win over Cuba, while Bulgaria recorded their maiden match victory at the World Grand Prix tournament by defeating the Netherlands.

On day two of Pool D, Bulgaria scored a comeback win (20-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23) over the Netherlands in the first match at the Macao Forum.  Both teams went neck and neck early on but forceful serves and attacks by the Netherlands proved the difference as they won the first set.  Bulgaria again improved in the second set just like they did against China, but while they could not buy a set yesterday, this time their improvements brought rewards as they surged to win the second set.  They did not look back from then on, and despite some late rallies from the Netherlands, Bulgaria took the next two sets to spark some wild celebrations for their first ever match win at the World Grand Prix.

Host China then showed their class against a young Cuba side by scoring a straight-set win (25-13, 25-20, 25-15).  China came off strong in the first set through solid spikes and tough blocks as they cruised to win the first set.  Cuba looks unaffected of their first set loss and displayed better team spirit and played some good offence.  However, China eventually managed to pull away and took the closely-fought second set.  China carried their momentum into the third set as they looked to finish the match quickly.   While Cuba tried to narrow the score with good attacks and digs, China’s dominating presence at the net prevailed as they secured the set and match.  Zhu Ting’s top scored for China with 19 points.

Bulgaria play against Cuba in tomorrow’s first match at 13:00, and China look to cap a perfect weekend in Macao when they take on the Netherlands at 15:30.