The Czech Republic defeated China for the first time in international competition with a 25-20, 25-20, 26-24 victory at the FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Nanjing on Wednesday.

Before Wednesday's encounter, China had won all of their six previous meetings against the Czech Republic.

China, entering a new Olympic cycle with a reshaped roster, fielded several young players in the opener. On her 17th birthday, middle blocker Guo Zhongnan made her senior national team debut by stepping into the starting lineup, scoring seven points.

Tang Xin led China with 18 points, while Wang Aoqian added 10 and Dong Yuhan contributed nine. Czech captain Michaela Mlejnkova scored 18 points, while Gabriela Brancuska added 17.

After dropping the first two sets, China fought back in the third. Dong and captain Gong Xiangyu delivered crucial points to help the hosts level the score at 23-23. After the Czech Republic earned a match point, Tang saved it to make it 24-24, but the Czech Republic took the next two points to complete a historic win.