Chinese players celebrate after beating Iran 3-0 at the world cup volleyball tournament in Fukuoka of Japan November 29, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese men's volleyball team managed to snap their futile record of seven at the world cup tournament after trouncing Iran 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-17) to save themselves from bottom of the score table on Tuesday.

The first win came after a stunning straight-set loss to well-matched Japan that demoralized the team the day before. Starting second setter and China's top scorer Chen Ping was injured out after the game against Poland on Sunday.

Chen's alternate 30-year-old Yuan Zhi served as the mainstay and scored 17 to become the top scorer of the game.

Iran, the reigning Asian champion though, was not considered a strong opponent as China had lost to powerhouses from America and Europe in previous games at the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Zhou Jian'an, head coach of the team was relieved about the "hard-won" win and said it was attributed to "mindset adjustment" over the futility jinx.

The tournament will adjourn for two days from Wednesday and China will play Cuba on Friday.