China's Ren Qi dives as he saves the ball during their first round match aganist Puerto Rico at the the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship in Japan November 22, 2006. [Xinhua]

China's hope to qualify from group stage was shattered Wednesday after a 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico at the 2006 men's volleyball World Championship in Sendai, Japan.

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Entering the game with a record of 2-2, China needs only one victory to ensure a place into next stage, but was beat 25-17, 25-13, 21-25, 26-24 by the Central American side who improved its record to 2-3 and won the qualification by set points.

China captain Sui Shengsheng led the team with 14 points and Yu Dawei added 10. On the Puerto Rico side, Hector Soto led the team with 16 points while 37-year-old Rodriguez scored 12 points.

Poland kept its clean sheet on in the Pool A, beating Japan 25-18 25-21 25-23 as both teams qualified. Argentina trailed behind Poland and Japan in standing and booked a ticket to next stage after beating Eygpt 25-18 29-31 25-20 25-20.