Al Rayyan Club placed themselves in line for another title this season as they knocked out Qatar Sports Club in four sets in the four-time Qatar Cup Volleyball Championship on Tuesday.
At the QVA Hall, The Lions, who have won the Super Cup, the League and the Arab Clubs Championship, had lost the opening playoff but completed their strong comeback with a 28-26, 25-13, 25-27, 25-19 win in 107 minutes to enter the final with 2-1 result.
For the title, last year’s runners-up Al Rayyan will take on League runners-up Police on April 20 at 6:15 pm.
Police also posted a 2-1 victory after winning the third match against defending champions Al Arabi Club 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 in 76 minutes.
This is the fourth meeting of the season between Al Rayyan and Police with the former winning the previous three.
After managing to bag the opening set in the extra points, Al Rayyan Club exerted a great deal of pressure on the rivals in the middle of the second set and shot from 8-7 to 16-8 before clinching it at 25-13 to go 2-0 up.
That was the turning point, though Qatar Sports Club did claim the third set, they failed to respond to Al Rayyan Club’s potent attack and succumbed.
Yordan Bisset Astengo led the winners with 17 points, while Marcus and Bilal chipped in 16 each. Rahidi Wadidi also secured 12 to help Al Rayyan maintain a tight grip on the game.
For Qatar Sports Club, Hosni was the best scorer with 26. Yousef was another double-digit contributor at 14.
Police proved too strong for Al Arabi Club with Mads Ditlevsen spearheading their attack. The former Danish international collected 17 points. John Chibgo and Neto gained nine each to offer commendable support to Ditlevsen and the team.
Mohamed Ibrahim was the best scorer for Al Arabi with 10. Renan Rebeiro and Artur Udria netted nine each.
Results
Police beat Al Arabi Club 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 in 76 minutes
Al Rayyan Club beat Qatar Sports Club 28-26, 25-13, 25-27, 25-19 in 107 minutes
April 20 fixture (final)
6:16 pm – Al Rayyan Club vs Police