China's Yuan Xinyue plays the ball during the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship match between China and Argentina in Arnhem, the Netherlands, on Sept 25, 2022. (MENG DINGBO / XINHUA）

ARNHEM, the Netherlands - China started the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship with a comfortable 25-23, 25-22, 25-20 victory over Argentina in one hour and 27 minutes here on Sunday.

Two-time champion China last won the tournament's title in 1986 and made the final in 2014 in Italy before losing to the United States 3-1 in the showdown

Despite the absence of star outside hitters Zhu Ting and Zhang Changning, the 2016 Olympic gold medalists dominated their opening group match, as 22-year-old spiker Li Yingying scored a game-high 22 points, including 19 from attacks and two from blocks. Wang Yunlu added 11 and captain Yuan Xinyue had eight.

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Opposite Erika Mercado led the charge for Argentina with 15 points, and outside hitter, Daniela Bulaich Simian added 13.

Two-time champion China last won the tournament's title in 1986 and made the final in 2014 in Italy before losing to the United States 3-1 in the showdown.

Next for China will be another South American team Colombia on Tuesday, and Argentina will take on Brazil on Monday.