Sport
Rayyan down Police, complete domestic treble
Rayyan down Police, complete domestic treble
By Yash Mudgal/Doha
Rayyan completed a domestic treble as they outclassed qualifier Police 3-1 in the Emir Cup volleyball final yesterday evening. |
Defending champion Rayyan, who have already won the Qatar Volleyball League and the Heir Apparent Cup, won 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22) here at Al Arabi indoor hall.
It was to the credit of Rayyan that it found a way to post a win after spirited a Police team looked to have wrested the initiative early in the first set with an all-court game.
Policemen were quite explosive in many spells as it dictated terms through Akrem, John Nitro, Moses and Joseph. But the team fell marginally short at the crunch.
Libero Joseph set it up beautifully for the sharp spikes, but Rayyan was able to plug the gap when it mattered.
What distinguished the 11-time champions Rayyan yesterday was its ability to handle the climax in each set with cool competence. It saved two game points in the first set at 22-24 and then reeled off four points to clinch the set. Rayyan’s defence blocked with energy and precision to turn the tide in its favour.
For Rayyan, Bulgarian star Metty, Cuban Michale Sanchez and skipper Osmain Ajab were the most effective.
“It was a golden moment for us. We have played like a team throughout the season and as a reward we have won three trophies out of the four finals,” Rayyan coach Lajubomir Travica said.
Police’s Belarussian star Akrem was declared best player of the tournament, while Rayyan’s Mubarak Dahi Waleed and Cuban Michael Sanchez were adjudged best resident and professional player of the final, respectively.
“It was very hard for us as Police played very well today. We were tired after playing so many matches but I’m very happy with the win.
The team worked very well to get this win,” Sanchez said. “This is my first time in Qatar, so it was a wonderful season for me to win three titles. I think this is my best year of the career so far. I hope we can perform better next season,” he added.
The winner team received QR 500,000 as prize money. Qatar Olympic Committee vice chairman Sheikh Saoud bin Ali al-Thani gave away the prizes.