The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Yokohama

World silver medallists Brazil powered past Japan to regain the title and secure a record seventh victory in the World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament on Sunday.

The Brazilians, the runners-up in the World Cup last year, silenced a vociferous home crowd with a 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 victory for a perfect record of five straight wins in the six- team round robin competition.

Brazil won the title in 1994, 1996, 1998 and in three straight years from 2004.

Earlier in the day, former world champions Cuba defeated World Cup holders Italy 28-30, 25-18, 25-23, 25-19 to finish second with a 4-1 win-loss record, beating Italy into third place with 2-3.

The United States edged past Athens Olympic gold medallists China 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 21-25, 17-15 to take fourth place with 2-3, a worse points ratio than Italy's.

Japan and China both finished with a 1-4 record, with the Chinese edging fifth place thanks to a better points ratio.