SAPPORO, Japan, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands and Serbia became the first two teams to secure their spots in the second round of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship after their third straight wins on Monday.
In the Pool A games held in Yokohama, the Netherlands stayed unbeaten after a 3-0 victory over Cameroon, while Germany defeated Argentina in straight sets after an intense game, and Japan trounced Mexico 3-0.
With three straight wins, the Netherlands topped Pool A and booked the ticket to the next round in advance, followed by Japan and Germany, both with two wins and one loss.
In the Pool D matches held in Hamamatsu, Serbia outclassed Brazil in an intense game, with 21-year-old opposite Tijana Boskovic scoring a match-high 24 points, while the Dominican Republic beat Kazakhstan in straight sets, and Puerto Rico defeated Kenya 3-0.
Serbia, also with three wins, secured a spot in the second round of the tournament. Brazil and Puerto Rico, each with two wins, ranked the second and the third in the group.
The 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship kicked off on Sept. 29. During the tournament that runs through Oct. 20, 24 teams from five continents have been scheduled to compete in 103 matches.
The teams play in four groups, with six in each group, in the first round and the top four teams of each group will advance to the second round.
Pool B and Pool C teams will have their third group matches on Tuesday, while Pool A and Pool D teams will have a day off.
