TOKYO — Olympic gold medalists Brazil defeated Japan in four sets to defend the World Grand Prix women's volleyball title today.

The powerful Brazilians won 25-21, 25-27, 25-19, 25-19 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to finish with a perfect 5-0 record in the six-team round robin final. The victory gives Brazil its eighth championship since the annual tournament began in 1993.

Welissa Sassa Gonzaga led the scoring for Brazil with 19 points, while Maiko Kono was Japan's top scorer with 14 points.

Earlier in the day, world champion Russia secured second place by defeating the Netherlands in straight sets 25-20, 25-23, 25-21.

Germany placed third, beating China 25-14, 23-25, 25-21, 25-14.
The United States did not make the final round.