The Brazilians, one of seven countries fined yesterday for ignoring the FIVB's dress code, still had the look of a winner as they demolished Canada 15-6, 15-9, 15-3 in just 66 minutes, to become the only team in the competition not to drop a set.

Two-time defending champions Italy, Olympic gold medallists the Netherlands, Spain, Cuba and Yugoslavia also launched their quarter-final campaigns with victories, leaving six teams with undefeated records.

Putting their experience to good use, Italy remained on course to become the first country to land three consecutive world titles, with a 15-7, 15-12, 15-3 win over the Ukraine, who are making their first World Championships appearance.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, beaten by Italy in the final of the last championships in 1994, kept pace with theirEuropean rivals with a speedy 15-2, 15-8, 15-4 win over Greece.

Cuba also managed to keep its 100 per cent record intact but surrendered its first set of the championships, needing four to tame a stubborn Bulgaria 15-12, 17-16, 13-15, 15-4.