HONG KONG, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Zhu Ting's game-high 19 points empowered China claimed their second straight win with a comfortable 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) victory over Japan in third-round action at the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League here on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old wing spiker again proved the pillar of team China as coach Lang Ping is still working out the right line-up for China who as hosts are already qualified for the finals.

Zhu's 19-point haul included 17 spikes from 34 attempts and two huge blocks that had the packed arena screaming with delight, while Gong Xiangyu contributed ten points and Liu Xiaotong added seven.

Ai Kurogo scored team-high 17 points for Japan, followed by Mami Uchiseto and Yuki Ishii with 13 and eight points respectively.

Early on the day, Italy claimed their first win in Hong Kong by defeating Argentina 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-18).

China will face Italy in their final Pool 12 match on Thursday while Argentina tackle Japan.

The Volleyball Nations League is a new idea from the FIVB, the sport's international governing body. The annual women's international volleyball tournament is contested by 16 national teams and replaces the World Grand Prix.