TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran opened the FIVB Volleyball World League 2016 with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 28-26) lose against Brazil on Thursday.

Brazil used a service storm over Iran in this match which was held at the Arena Carioca 1. Brazilians Lucas Saatkamp, with 17 points, and Ricardo Lucarelli, with 16, were the top scorers and main attractions on court.

The match in Rio de Janeiro kicked off this year's edition of the World League. Both teams haven't met in this competition since 2014, when they have played against each other five times. Iran claimed three victories, while Brazil took two.

Shahram Mahmoudi led Iran national volleyball team with 12 points.

Iran will also face USA and Argentina on June 17 and 19 respectively.

By Tasnim News Agency