Montreux Volley Masters: China suffers first loss to Cuba

Cuban players celebrate their victoryPhoto Gallery>>(BEIJING, June 6) -- China succumbed to longtime rival Cuba on Thursday after four hard sets (21-25, 25-22, 16-25, 19-25) in the team's first defeat at the Montreux Volley Masters. The loss also ended China's seven-game winning streak against Cuba this season.

World No. 5 Cuba, who have won eight previous Volley Masters titles, sent their main players to compete in this year's tournament to enhance their competition skills and prepare for the Olympic Games in August. Likewise this tournament provides valuable practice for China before the Olympics. For players Zhao Ruirui and Feng Kun, the Volley Masters serve as their debut in an international competition.

Despite a weak start, Cuba finally won the first set 25-21. In the second set, China stuck it out and came back 25-22. But in the last two sets, it was Cuba who had complete control, showing spectators the real meaning of competition.

On June 7, China will face the Netherlands at half past midnight, Beijing time; Germany meets Cuba at 22:30; and Italy plays Serbia at 3:00 a.m.