The Chinese women's team suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat against Japan in their opening contest of Group A at the FIVB Montreux Volley Masterson in Montreux, Switzerland, on Monday.

Earlier, soon after the start, Japan jumped into a 6-2 lead in the first set when Zhen Yixin's serve couldn't clear the net. Continuing with their early momentum, the Japanese side wrapped up the first set 25-20 when Ai Kurogo rose high to nail the set decider.

China clawed their way back into the game as they battled back in the second set, extending the lead to 5-3 with Li Yingying's serve going all the way through.

The resurgent Chinese players then sealed the set 25-17 to level the game.

However, Japan re-asserted themselves in the third and won it 27-25 after Du Qingqing fired out of bounds. 

In the 4th set, Wang Yuanyuan had a powerful spike which cut the deficit to 9-8 as they looked to level once more.

But it wasn't China's day on the court as Japan's Yuki Ishii spiked to hand her side a morale-boosting 25-21 win.

China will now face Germany on Tuesday as they are looking forward to bouncing back in the competition while a buoyed Japan will take on Poland.

Meanwhile, in another game, Turkey defeated hosts  Switzerland 3-1 in group B to make a winning start to the tournament.

(Cover Photo: Team China pull off a block during their clash with Japan at the FIVB Montreux Volley Masters in Switzerland./Volley Masters Official Website)