SAPPORO, Japan - China came from behind to defeat European champion Serbia in four sets in the women's volleyball World Cup here on Saturday.  

The scores were 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23. The win is China's fifth in seven games and moved China back to the third slot in the World Cup ranking. Top three teams will qualify for the London Olympics.

"We successfully marked the two spikers of Serbia, and we launched many quick forays," said Yu Juemin, the Chinese coach.

The game was a close one from the beginning. Although missing some of the top star players, Serbia managed to edge out China in the first set.

But China revenged by winning the following three sets with style and rhythm, as substitute Fan Linlin add firepower to the three-time World Cup winner's attacking.

Yang Junjing from China won the most 19 points and was named the best player of the match.

"We didn't play today so well," said Serbia's coach Zoran Terzic. "We made a lot of mistakes in the organization, especially blocking and defense. We did prepare well but not in court."

He added he hoped his young players can play Italy better and win the match tomorrow.

China suffered a heartbreaking loss to Brazil in five sets on Friday as the three-time World Cup winners slipped to fourth place with 13 points. Wei Qiuyue, the Chinese captain, said her teammates adjusted quickly from the loss and prepared the match well.

China will face South Korea on Sunday before moving to Tokyo for the final round. Yu said his team should have confidence and try to win the game.