European silver medalists Russia won over Cuba to take a big step toward their first major title at the World Cup men's volleyball tournament on Tuesday.

The Russians, who have not won any of the sport's three major events since 1991, played a solid game characterized by iron-fence blocking to score a 25-15, 25-23, 25-18 victory.

With a display of good blocking on Cuban serves, the Russians led 4-0 and 10-6 respectively to take the first two sets.

With the Cubans leading 3-2 and 5-3 in the third, Russian Serguei Tetioukhine's powerful serves contributed three straight points to his side for 8-6. They sealed the match and their win in 64 minutes.

Russia lost to Cuba in three sets to finish runners-up in the women's World Cup two weeks ago.

Russia stood with eight wins against one defeat, ahead of Cuba and the United States, each with a 7-2 record in the 12-team round robin. The top three teams earn a berth in the Sydney Olympics.

Two-time Olympic champions the United States outscored Argentina 25-23, 25-23, 38-36, while three-time world champions Italy downed Japan 25-19, 25-18, 25-12.

Spain bowed to Brazil 18-25, 25-20, 17-25, 20-25 for a 6-3 record and Brazil 5-4, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the Sydney Olympics alive.

Canada downed winless African champions Tunisia 25-18, 25-17, 25-20, while Asian bronze medallist South Korea defeated Asian champions China 25-22, 25-17, and 25-19. (Xinhua)