The FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship started in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province on Tuesday morning, featuring the world's best volleyballers from eight participating teams. 

Turkey, Italy, Brazil and host China each sent two teams to the tournament, including last year's top three places, Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul of Turkey,  Itambe Minas of Brazil and Vakifbank Istanbul of Turkey. 

Participants also include last year's debutante Dentil Praia Clube of Brazil, 2013 bronze medalist Guangdong Evergrande Volleyball Club of China and 2012 fifth-placer Tianjin Bohai Bank Volleyball Club of China. 

Italian teams Igor Gorgonzola Novara and Imoco Volley Conegliano are making their debuts this year. 

The tournament features a constellation of star players, including Zhu Ting, captain of Tianjin who played for Vakifbank for the last three seasons, Serbian Tijana Boskovic of Eczacibasi, Italian Paola Ogechi Egonu of Conegliano as well as Brazilian Gabriela Braga Guimaraes of Vakifbank. 

As the home favorites to win the championship, Tianjin club coach Chen Youquan comments that this is a great opportunity for our team to play in the championship and learn from the best in the world. "We will spare no effort, try to be brave, and give our 100 percent in this tournament and to our supporters." 

"I am honored to be able to participate in these matches at the Women's Club World Championship," said Tianjin captain Zhu Ting. "I will do my best to help my team achieve the best possible result in this tournament." 

As reigning champions, Vakifbank coach Giovanni Guidetti said, "We are happy to be here again. We are rebuilding the team so we will do our best to play. We want to use the matches here to improve ourselves." 

Vakifbank captain Ayse Melis Gurkaynak said, "We have amazing memories here in Shaoxing. We had a strong team last year and now we are rebuilding. It would not be easy this year because of the strong teams. However, we want to put our best on the court and we wish all teams the best of luck." 

In the opening match between Imoco Volley Conegliano and Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul, the former won by 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21).

Conegliano's Paola Egonu scored a game high 29. Kim Yeon-koung bagged 17 points. 

December 3 will see four matches with all teams participating. The tournament lasts from December 3 to 8.

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)