Russia ran into some unexpected challenge in the third set from Italy but still emerged unscathed and with two wins apiece, Russia and Cuba will square off for the third leg title on Sunday. Italy and Korea will battle it out for the second and fourth spots. Leaders in the overall GP table, Russia and Cuba have seven wins each to their credit after Saturday's exploits and have suffered reverses against China and Brazil, respectively, in the second leg held simultaneously in Bangkok and Fong San last week.

Runners-up in the inaugural Grand Prix in 1993, China, who are currently trying to seek an improvement in their fortunes this year in Shanghai, posted a 11-15, 15-7, 15-2, 15-6 win over Japan on Friday to come within striking distance of challenging Russia and Cuba in the finals in Hong Kong onSept 12 and 13.

The other team in the Shanghai phase of the third leg, former champions Brazil emerged 15-6, 15-7, 16-6 winners over United States, also former champions but without a win so far in the GP. Brazil have three wins so far overall, the same as Italy here.

Results

Russia bt Italy 15-7, 15-7, 15-10; Cuba bt Korea 15-5, 15-2, 15-5.