By Yash Mudgal/Doha

Al Arabi won its first domestic title since 2012 yesterday when it defeated El Jaish 3-1 (23-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-15) to clinch the inaugural Qatar Cup at the Al Arabi Sports Club Indoor Hall here yesterday.
“It is a very sweet victory for us as we have worked very hard for the title,” Arabi coach Mohamed al-Bahri said.
“We knew it is a crucial game for us as we have not won a single title in the last one year. We were ready for all the situations and I am happy that boys played superbly and won the title. I hope to carry forward this form in to the Emir Cup also,” he said.
With much at stake for Jaish also, as they were also vying for their first major title, it was only natural for both the teams to be tentative at the start.
Both the teams tried holding their rivals on a tight leash early on before working for a breakthrough. Consequently, the lead also changed frequently in the initial stages of the first set before Arabi players, after taking a good lead of six points, relaxed a bit and Jaish grew in confidence, and pushed the accelerator to win the first set.
In the second set, 24-time Qatar Volleyball League champions Arabi regrouped and gave no chance to Jaish stars — Milos Stevanovic and Cristian Pamle —to breach their defence as Arabi’s Kenyan player Philip rose to the occasion whenever the team needed him.
“Yes, we were bit relaxed in the first set after taking some lead, but that was our mistake. We promise not to repeat it in the future,” said Philip, who is one of the key players for the home side.
“I am happy that we have finished with the title. It was my mission to win the title for Arabi,” he added.
After leading two sets to one, Arabi began the fourth on a positive note going ahead 16-14, courtesy some superb block and effective smashes by Italian player Cristain Savani.
Ibrahim and captain Jomma Faraj were also solid in blocks as Arabi took a 20-17 lead and never looked back. The hosts finished the contest in style by winning the fourth set as Jaish failed to offer any resistance.
It was a disappointing moment for two-time Federation Cup champions Jaish as they once again failed to win a major domestic title.
“It was very disappointing end for us in the tournament.We were very keen to win the title. We started off well, but failed to control the game against the hosts,” said Jaish coach Ivan Joksimobvic after the match.
“I hope we will perform better in the Emir Cup and emerge as the champions,” he said.