The Fiji Women's volleyball side has lost their opening match against host China in the qualifying tournament of the 2010 Women's World Championships.

They were easily beaten by the world's 5th ranked side by 3 straight sets. It took China only 50 minutes to win the three quarters by 25-10, 25-12 and 25-13.

Fiji was said to be the weakest team in all fields, attacking, blocking, serving, and reception, but in facing the much stronger and taller Chinese, they fought with a never-say-die spirit and a dazzling attitude, striving tirelessly for each ball and winning huge applause from the crowd.

Team Coach Adi Varanisese Maraiwai after the match said this was the first time they played against China, and it seems the players were nervous but it should be all right in their second match, which will be against Thailand tonight.

In the other match, Thailand beat Uzbekistan by 3-0. The top two teams from here will book a ticket to the Final Round of the 2010 Women's World Championship in Japan.