The French secured their fourth win at Rimini in Italy by defeating Brazil in straight sets, although they were made to work hard for the victory.

After claiming a marathon first set, France went on to triumph 39-37, 25-18, 30-28.

France top the standings with 11 points, while behind them six teams have three wins to their name.

In second place with ten points are Russia, who beat the United States 25-22, 25-19, 17-25, 25-19 in the final game of the day.

Poland, Slovenia, Brazil and Serbia all follow in the standings with nine points, with the Poles overcoming Australia in straight sets 25-16, 25-10, 25-12.

Slovenia were victorious in straight games against the Netherlands prevailing 25-18, 25-15, 25-18 while Serbia beat Japan, the only other country with three wins to their name, 18-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-13.

In the day’s other matches, two contests went the distance, with the first match of the day seeing Argentina come from two sets to one down to beat Germany 25-19, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-13.

The second match of the day to go the distance involved hosts Italy beating Bulgaria 25-19, 20-25, 25-13, 23-25, 15-12.

The remaining match saw Iran overcome Canada in four sets, as they came from behind to win 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22.