Dalian (Northeast China), May 31. (Xinhua): Olympic bronze medalist Cuba claimed a 3-1 opening win over European champion the Netherlands in a preliminary Group B match of the PetroChina KunLun Cup China International Women's Volleyball Tournament here on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Poland, who were forced to come back from trailing 23-18 in the first set, beat Dominican Republic 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-21 in a Group A opener.

The South American powerhouse Cuba, who had won almost everything before 2000 with three Olympic gold medals, four World Cup triumphs and two world Championships titles, maintained a narrow lead throughout the first set.

Using powerful blocks, the Dutch cut their deficit to 18-17, but Cuba took two points in straight and held on to a 25-22 first set win.

Cuba played a much smarter second set with various tactics, taking an early upper hand 7-1 shortly into the game before the Dutch team leveled it at 16-all with two successful blocks and two aces in a row, and went on to overtake the lead at 20-19 before wrapping up the second set 25-20 with a 7-1 run.

The Cuban women surrendered themselves to the big-serve Dutch in the third set, losing 26-24 after holding off two set points, but found no great difficulties in taking the fourth set 25-19 and their first victory at the five-day tournament slated from May 30 to June 3.

"We have been playing against one of the best team in the world and we've tried our best," commented the Dutch head coach Avital Selinger. "But the result is that the better team won."

Cuban head coach Luis Calderon praised their opponents, said: "The Dutch players are tall and know us well. Also their service was good. They have performed well though losing the game, and we are just the better team."

Seven teams are playing in two preliminary groups with top two finishers from each group to qualify for the semi-finals.