China was kept in search of their first win of the men's volleyball World League in the new season after defeated by hosts France 3-0 in a hard-fourght match in La Runion on Friday.

China lost for the fifth time in as many matches this season to give France their first win with a score of 20-25, 18-25, 25-27 in about one and a half hours in the Pool B match.

French spiker Antonin Rouzier topped the scores with 15 points. The French started well but had to fight off a determined China in the final set after the Asian side staged a late fight back before submitting to the hosts. The two sides will meet again on Saturday.

Also in Pool B, Serbia overcome hosts Italy 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 25-16, 12-25, 15-12) in Montecani. The Serbians came out strong but a solid defensive display from Italy saw the game go to a tie-break.

In Pool A, Brazil beat South Korea 3-1 (23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-21) in front of a passionate home crowd in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

Brazil now lead Pool A with 11 points while South Korea continue to stay in fourth.