After beating Germany and Thailand in straight sets in their first two encounters in Pool A1 at the Beilun Gymnasium in Ningbo, they saw off the challenge of Americans - who are also the world champions - in four.

The hosts opened a two set lead before the US battled back into contention, but China would eventually seal as 25-20, 25-19, 15-25, 25-23 victory.

Zhu Ting was once again the star for the Chinese, registering 17 points in the success.

The Chinese have now won 21 of their 34 encounters against the US at the World Grand Prix - a premier women's tournament.

Twelve teams are contesting the 12-team intercontinental round - and were split into three groups of four for the initial three matches, with all results counting to the overall league table.

In the other Pool A1 game in Ningbo, Thailand claimed an opening victory over winless Germany, coming from behind to triumph 16-25, 28-26, 25-22, 25-16.

Back-to-back Olympic champions Brazil joined the Chinese on three victories as they won their final game in Pool B1, which they are hosting in Olympic city Rio de Janeiro.

They eased past Serbia, who lost all three matches, 25-20, 25-18, 25-18.

The second match at Carioca Arena 1 saw Italy collect a second victory after beating Japan in an epic encounter, 25-20, 25-20, 23-25, 25-27, 15-8.

In Pool C1 in Russia, the hosts became the third team to boast an undefeated start thanks to a lengthy 26-24, 20-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10 win over Turkey.

The Dutch won for a second time in Kaliningrad as they beat neighbours Belgium 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20.

The Grand Prix will now resume on June 17 with three further pools as round robin play continues.

Pool D1 in Macau will feature Brazil, Serbia, China and Belgium, with United States hosting Turkey, Japan and Germany in Pool E1 in Long Beach.

Italy will stage Pool F1 in Bari with Thailand, Russia and The Netherlands their opponents.

Six teams will progress to contest the final round.