U.S.overpowers China in women's volleyball event

 LONDON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China was beaten by the world No. 1 U.S. in straight sets in the women's volleyball tournament of London Olympics on Wednesday.

The Chinese, once champion in 2004 Athens Games and bronze medal winner in Beijing Games, lost the match 24-26, 16-25, 29-31.

With a third win, the Americans booked a berth¹ of the quarterfinals in advance. Destinee Hooker and Megan Hodge were both on top form for USA, who gave China major problems.

China beat Serbia and Turkey both 3-1 in the previous games as its injured key hitter Wang Yimei returned to court, while USA showed a sign of intent² beating world No. 2 Brazil to harvest their second win.

Besides Serbia, China will play in the same pool in London along with defending champion Brazil, world's No.1 U.S., Turkey and South Korea. Italy, Russia, Japan, Algeria, the Dominican Republic and host Britain make up the other six-team pool. The top four teams to emerge³ out of each pool will play the quarterfinals.

1 berth   

n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊

参考例句：

• She booked a berth on the train from London to Aberdeen.她订了一张由伦敦开往阿伯丁的火车卧铺票。
• They took up a berth near the harbor.他们在港口附近找了个位置下锚。

2 intent   

adj.急切的，专心的，专注的；n.意图，意向

参考例句：

• He was intent on the job he was doing.他专心致志于正在做的工作。
• His plan is incompatible with my intent.他的计划与我的意图不相符。

3 emerge   

vi.（从水中等）出来，出现，浮现，形成

参考例句：

• The baby's head was starting to emerge from the womb.婴儿的头开始从母亲的子宮中露出来。
• It's still hard to tell who will emerge victorious.鹿死谁手尚难逆料。