By Yash Mudgal/Doha
Hosts Al Arabi withstood the challenge of qualifier Qatar Sports Club (QSC) in an exciting match to finish unbeaten in Group ‘B’ of the Emir Cup Volleyball Tournament yesterday evening. |
The encounter, lasting well over two hours, saw a see-saw battle for supremacy before Arabi, who have already qualified for the semi-finals, won 3-1 (28-30, 25-18, 25-15, 28-26) here at the Al Arabi indoor hall.
QSC seemed in control during the opening phase of the first set, setting up an early lead of 9-4. With Nenad, Jeams and Louka continuing on with their good work, QSC had things clearly going their way as Arabi rather surprisingly failed to measure up at this stage.
But only for a while did Arabi fumbled. With Saeed Jumma, Ibrahim and Cuban star Juantorena finding their touch and Pample putting up a plucky display, Arabi soon managed to claw their way back.
And soon the scores were tied at 11-11. After that, Cuban star Juantorena served four aces to make it 15-11 and it proceeded the same way until 27-27. QSC then dug deep into their reserves and it was soon match point. Arabi saved four match points before QSC took the first set at 30-28.
The improved performance of Leanardo, for sure, had a bearing on the fortunes of Arabi in the second set. Lagging behind in the earlier phase, the offence got a boost from Leanardo and Arabi jumped into a 8-point lead at 15-7. QSC did try their best to get into the game but were unable to stop Arabi from taking the set 25-18. The third set was a replica of the second and Arabi, trailing initially, took it at 25-15.
“It was a tough game. I am happy that we finished the group encounters unbeaten,” Arabi coach Maaouia Lajnaf said.
“Qatar Sports Club played superbly today, but I think today’s close victory will work as a tonic for us in the semi-final. All the players contributed well today and they're looking in good shape,” he added.
QSC again showed a semblance of fight in the fourth set when they had two set points, but Arabi stepped it up, with Theago and Pampel blocking efficiently to secure the last two points.
Poor service was QSC’ Achilles heel as they often lost the initiative after taking control. In trying to assert themselves, the team failed to play a sensible game to suit the situation. Arabi, on the other hand, were far more flexible in their approach and quite efficient in execution.
In the second match of the evening, Qatar Volleyball League runner-ups Al Ahli defeated qualifiers Al Sadd 3-1 (25-19, 27-25, 22-25, 25-13) to finish second in the group and in the process qualified for the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, they will meet league champions Al Rayyan, who finished top of the Group ‘A’.
After winning the first two sets, Ahli quickly seized the momentum, and ran away with a four-set victory over Sadd. They played according to a plan and maintained the pressure for the better part of the contest.
In the third set, however, Sadd showed some resistance to remain in the contest, but they were never able to take the lead over their superior rivals.
“It was a good match. My boys really played well today and deserved to reach the semi-finals,” Ahli coach Jean-Michele Roche said. “We have had a good season and finished second in the league. We have been making steady progress and proved that we have it in us to challenge the top teams. Now, we have to concentrate on the semifinals and then we will look further,” the Frenchman added.
The semi-finals will be played tomorrow, with the final coming up on Saturday.
Results: Al Arabi bt Qatar Sports Club 3-1 (28-30, 25-18, 25-15, 28-26); Al Ahli bt Al Sadd 3-1 (25-19, 27-25, 22-25, 25-13)