Italy secured top spot in Pool A with a straight-sets victory over hosts Mexico at the FIVB Women's Under-20 World Championship ©FIVB

Italy, Japan and Russia have all advanced to the second round of the International Volleyball Federation Women's Under-20 World Championship with unbeaten records after extending their winning runs to three matches in Mexico today.

The Italians secured top spot in Pool A with a 26-24, 25-21, 25-15 victory over hosts Mexico at Hermanos Carreon Auditorium in Aguascalientes.

They were joined in qualifying for the next round by runners-up the United States, who beat Cuba 25-20, 25-23, 25-20 today.

In Pool D, also held in Aguascalientes, Japan defeated the Dominican Republic 25-15, 25-21, 25-23.

It came after Brazil had overcome Rwanda 25-8, 25-9, 25-13 as the South Americans qualified for the second round as runners-up.

Over at the Domo de la Feria in León, Russia beat Argentina 25-21, 25-16, 25-20 to complete a perfect record in Pool C.

Turkey, meanwhile, defeated Serbia 18-25, 25-23, 25-23, 16-25, 15-8 to qualify for the next round as runners-up.

Japan defeated the Dominican Republic in straight sets today ©FIVB
Japan defeated the Dominican Republic in straight sets today ©FIVB

Action also concluded today in Pool B in León with Poland and defending champions China both winning to qualify in first and second place respectively.

Poland overcame Peru 25-22, 25-20, 25-20, while China claimed a 25-18, 25-20, 25-13 victory over Egypt.

The eight teams remaining in the competition have now been split between Pools E and F.

Pool E is made up of Brazil, China, Italy and Russia, while Pool F comprises Japan, Poland, Turkey and the US.

The top two sides from Pools E and F will qualify for the semi-finals.

Action is due to resume on Tuesday (June 16).

A rest day is scheduled for tomorrow.