China wins 1st women's volleyball World Cup in 12 years

Chinese players celebrate after beating Japan to win the women's volleyball World Cup in Nagoay, Japan on Sept. 6 [Photo/CFP]

NAGOYA, Japan -- China overpowered host Japan 3-1 and won its fourth women's volleyball World Cup title on Sunday.

The Chinese team led by guru coach Jenny Lang Ping crushed a tenacious Japanese side 25-17, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22 to claim its first World Cup crown since 2003 and its first major title since 2004 when Lang's team won the Olympic title in Athens.

As a player, "Iron Hammer" Lang Ping led the Chinese to the 1981 and 1985 World Cup titles.