It marked the first time Russia had been that successful in a single-day at a FIVB World Tour event since the start of the international circuit in 1987 for men and 1992 for women.

Eighth seeds Viacheslav Krasilnikov and Konstantin Semenov led the way in Pool H with wins today over Kazakhstan qualifiers Alexandr Dyachenko and Alexey Sidorenko 21-13, 21-16 before a tougher triumph over Italian ninth-seeds Daniele Lupo and Paolo Nicolai of Italy, 21-18, 16-21, 15-12.

Ruslan Bykanov and Yaroslav Koshkarev gained a more surprising win in Pool F after victories today over Josh Binstock and Sam Schachter of Canada 24-22, 21-19 and 22nd-seeded Dries Koekelkoren and Tom van Walle of Belgium 21-13, 19-21, 15-10.

Their fellow qualifiers Ilya Leshukov and Nikita Liamin made it three out of three for the host nation in Pool E.

They overcame Markus Bockermann and Alexander Walkenhorst of Germany 21-17, 21-17 before beating Nico Beeler and Alexei Strasser of Switzerland 21-18, 21-12.

Greek duo Vasiliki Arvaniti and Penny Karagkouni continued their superb tournament in the women's draw.

The qualifiers, seeded 24th, followed their two wins yesterday by winning 21-19, 19-21, 15-12 in 47 minutes over 25th-seeded Rimke Braakman and Jolien Sinnema of The Netherlands.

Eighth seeds Ekaterina Birlova and Evgeniya Ukolova led the way for Russia, qualifying along with Yulia Abalakina and Ekaterina Syrtseva, Nadezda Makroguzova and Olga Motrich, and Anastasia Barsuk and Alexandra Moiseeva. 

Elimination matches are due to begin tomorrow, with each of the pool winners receiving a bye through the first round.