Having lost in a dramatic tie-break against rivals Russia in their first Pool C tie, Ukraine were determined to claim a victory to keep their hopes of qualification for the knock-out stage alive.

They got off to the worst possible start in the match at the National Gymnastics Arena in Azerbaijan’s capital city, as Bulgaria took the opening set 25-23.

Ukraine hit back impressively to take control of the match, winning the second two sets 25-21, 25-23 to close on victory.

The momentum of the tie would swing once again, as Bulgaria dominated the fourth set to win 25-11, taking the contest into a decider in the process.

Bulgaria were then able to preserve their form from the fourth set, as they came through to win the tie-break 15-4.

The result saw Bulgaria move to first place in Pool C, but Russia were able to retake top spot by winning the day's late match.

Their 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-20 win over Turkey moved them to the brink of the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Georgia, who are hosting Pool B of the competition, moved to the verge of an early exit from the tournament after suffering their second straight defeat.

Having been beaten in straight sets yesterday, a repeat result appeared on the cards when they lost the opening two sets to Croatia.

Despite fighting back to win the third, Georgia were unable to prevent Croatia from securing a 25-12, 25-13, 23-25, 25-23.

Victory was a much needed boost for Croatia, following their narrow defeat to Belarus in a fifth set tie-break yesterday.

Italy and Belarus are went head-to-head in the second group game of the day, with the former securing a 27-25, 25-18, 18-25, 25-21 win to move to the top of the group.

Having claimed opening day victories over the Czech Republic and Belgium respectively, Serbia and The Netherlands met in the top of the table match in Group D.

Serbia clinched a tight first set, before going on to seal a 29-27, 25-17, 25-23 win.

The result saw Serbia become the first team assured of a quarter-final place, leaving the remaining teams in the group seeking playoff spots.

The Czech Republic responded well to their loss yesterday, hitting back to beat Belgium 19-25, 25-23, 28-26, 25-19 in Azerbaijan.

Poland secured second victory of the competition, overcoming Hungary 25-22, 19-25, 25-17, 25-18 to take control of Group A.

They opened their account by beating Germany in a fifth set tie-break yesterday, while hosts Azerbaijan overcame Hungary in straight sets.