GDANSK, Poland - Chinese men's volleyball team lost to hosts Poland 26-24, 25-16, 25-18 in Gdansk in Thursday's clash of the Volleyball Nations League.

The first set started well for the Chinese as they quickly proved that they can be a tough opponent for the hosts. At the second technical break, they were leading by 16-12.

The visitors increased the gap to 20-15 thanks to the stunning strikes by Jiang Zhengyang and Zhang Jingyin who poured in four points each in the first set.

However, Tomasz Fornal's five powerful serves allowed Poland to return to the game. When Lukasz Kaczmarek missed the line, the Chinese team were in front by 24-21, but then Poland scored five points in a row to win the first set.

Nikola Grbic's side continued the momentum to control the game. In the second set, China made eight mistakes in the service area while in the defense they couldn't find a way to stop Lukasz Kaczmarek and Karol Klos.

Neverthless, Wu Sheng's players fought until the end. They led 8-7 at the first technical break after a net foul by Jakub Kochanowski in the third set. Then Poland took the lead 14-11 thanks to a triple block, while Kochanowski responded well to his earlier mistake with a powerful attack from the middle. The Chinese tried to narrow the gap, but Poland kept the distance to win.

Zhang Jingyin scored 10 for China, while Fornal gave 18 points for Poland.

Earlier on the day Slovenia beat Bulgaria 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-16).

On Saturday the 13th ranked China will play against Bulgaria. Poland, who stay on top with eight victories, will host the Netherlands. On Friday, Bulgaria will contest the Netherlands, while Slovenia face Iran and Italy take on Serbia.