Defending champions Brazil retained the volleyball World Grand Prix title after winning over Italy 3-2 at Sentai, Japan, on Monday.

Brazilian took the lead in the first two sets and jumped ahead 8-1 in the fifth to seal a 25-20, 22-25, 25-21, 27-29, 15-7 victory.

Brazil finished five-round competition with four wins and one loss, Italy and Cuba have identical 3-2 win-loss records.

Earlier in the day, former champions Cuba beat the Netherlands 25-20, 25-22, 25-20.

It was a record fifth title for Brazil, following their victories in 1994, 1996, 1998 and last year. Russia have won the Grand Prix three times, while Cuba and the United States have won twice each and China once.

Source: Xinhua