The Chinese team began the match in impressive fashion at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, a venue for the 2020 Olympic Games.

Having won the opening two sets 25-20, 25-12, China were then unable to prevent a Brazilian fightback, with the defending champions levelling the tie.

China would hold their nerve in a closing fought decider, as they eventually emerged as 25-20, 25-12, 20-25, 23-25, 19-17 winners.

“The first four sets were played at a high level,” China’s captain Zhu Ting said after their second win.

“In the fifth set, both teams played at the highest level and we were lucky to win that.

“Brazil are a very great team but we managed to beat them because of everyone’s efforts, not just mine.

“We came back from two match points down to win.”

Hosts Japan suffered their first defeat of the competition, as they were beaten 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 28-26 by Russia.

The result leaves four teams with one victory and defeat, as the United States got off the mark by overcoming South Korea 25-22, 25-20, 25-16.

South Korea are currently bottom of the standings, as they are the only team yet to claim a victory.

The competition features the four continental champions, the host nation and a wildcard entry selected by the FIVB.

All six will play each other in a round-robin format with the top side at the end declared the winners.

China will hope to preserve top spot in the table when they face South Korea on Friday (September 8).