Brazil wins Grand Champions Cup

TOP-RANKED Brazil overpowered Japan in straight sets yesterday to win the volleyball World Grand Champions Cup in Nagoya.

The South American champions raced out to an 8-1 lead in the first set en route to a 25-12, 26-24, 25-22 win and a 5-0 record in the six-nation tournament. "We had one of our best moments in the first set," Brazil coach Bernardo Rezende said. "I think Brazil played wonderful, but Japan fought back and it was a tough second and third set." Cuba defeated Iran 25-14, 25-22, 15-25, 25-15 to finish second with a 4-1 record. Iran placed fifth with a 1-4 record. Japan (3-2) finished third to win its first medal in men's volleyball in 32 years.