Egypt started their FIVB World Championship campaign with a 3-2 defeat to hosts Japan at the packed Saitama Super Arena on Friday. Japan looked to have sealed an easy victory after winning the first two sets 25-13, 25-21 but Egypt responded by snatching two successive games with the same score, 26-24. In the tie-break, Egypt battled but it was Japan who succeeded in winning their World Championship opener following a 15-12 victory. Egypt are sixth in Pool A with one point, while Poland, who beat China 3-0, are on top with two points. The Pharaohs will face Puerto Rico on Saturday.