Olympic and World Cup double champions China savored their opening victory as they eased past the Netherlands in straight sets at the Baxy Cup China International Women's Volleyball Tournament in Beijing on Thursday.

"Both teams played on a high level compared with the matches in Ningbo," said Chinese head coach Chen Zhonghe. "The veterans have adjusted themselves to good form, the young players also played to a great standard."

China were taken aback before rallying from 2-1 down to overcome the Netherlands 3-2 in the Beilun Cup China International Women's Volleyball Tournament held from May 26 to 28 in Ningbo.

Thursday's first set was hotly contested as the two teams battled from 1-all to 4-all. The Chinese women pulled away first, jumping to a comfortable 19-13 lead.

However, captain Visser and spiker Flier contributed two points apiece to lead a 7-1 burst leveling it at 20-20 for the Netherlands. China then stayed cool to wrap up five of the last seven points to take the set at 25-22.

The Dutch women pulled away from 2-2 tie for an early 8-5 lead in the second set. The match became even tougher the rest time as the tie appeared most of the way.

From 20-20, the Chinese women extended lead to 22-20 following two blockings. The Netherlands managed to beat off one set point as China led 24-22, but the Chinese women converted on the next through spike from Liu Ya'nan to win the set at 25-23.

"We did not do very well in the first two sets. We have chance to win but we made many unforced errors," said Selinger, head coach of the Netherlands, "Our attack got stuck in the third set. The team was lacking organization to let China get control of the match."

"We need to improve our attack but it will take time," added Selinger.

China took the third and the whole match at 25-15 without meeting real resistance from the Netherlands.

In an earlier match, Olympic bronze medallists Cuba rallied from one set down to overcome Russia 3-2 for their opening victory.

Friday's competition will feature China versus Cuba and Russia facing the Netherlands.

The four teams, who are competing in the three-day round-robin tournament, have just competed in the Beilun Cup China International Women's Volleyball Tournament, where China and Cuba finished first and second respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2006)