Two Pool E matches took place today at Rotterdam with the tournament co-hosts edged out by China, a win that moves them on to 17 points, and just two behind pool leaders Italy.

The Netherlands won set one 25-22, before China levelled proceedings by taking set two 25-21.

China took the lead in the contest after claiming set three 25-15, before the Dutch responded by taking set four 25-18 to send the match the distance.

China went on to triumph, winning the decider 15-12 to maintain second place in the pool behind Volleyball Nations League winners Italy, and put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Li Yingying top scored in the match for China with 23 points, while captain Yuan Xinyue scored 12 points, including the match-winner.

In the day’s other match at the Ahoy Arena, Brazil ran out straight sets winners over Puerto Rico, by a scoreline of 25-11, 25-13, 25-15.

Brazil sit in third place in the standings, level on points with China on 17, after registering their seventh win of the tournament.

The top four teams in both pools will reach the quarter-finals.

Seven matches are scheduled across the two pools tomorrow, including Pool E leaders Italy against Argentina in Rotterdam, and Pool F leaders Serbia taking on Thailand in Łódź, Poland.