MANILA - China's women's volleyball team lost to Japan 25-23, 25-21, 19-25, 25-16 to come out runner-up in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup for Women in Pasig City, the Philippines on Sunday.

The young second-string Chinese team beat Australia and Thailand respectively in the quarterfinals and semifinals, but failed to defend the championship against Japan in the final.

Japan's team claimed their first-ever AVC Cup title after this win. Earlier, Thailand beat Vietnam in three straight sets to take the bronze.