Gong Xiangyu (top, R) of China spikes the ball during a pool
China faced a consecutive loss in the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL), falling to Italy 23-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 15-12 on Sunday.
It was the second loss for China who suffered its first defeat to Poland on Saturday, and also the third win for Italy in Hong Kong.
Italy eliminated China in last year's VNL, and triumphed twice again in the ensuing Volleyball Women's World Championship.
In Sunday's match, China surrendered the set lead twice, allowing Italy to extend it into the decisive fifth set, where Italy led from the beginning and China never managed to get ahead.
China's Li Yingying scored a game-high 24 points, but it was insufficient. Miriam Sylla, along with Sylvia Nwakalor, led Italy with 15 points apiece.
In other matches on Sunday, the Netherlands swept Bulgaria in straight sets, while Turkey triumphed over the Dominican Republic 3-1.
