Champions Al Rayyan laboured to a 32-30, 25-16, 22-25, 25-21 win over Qatar Sports Club in the Men’s League last week.
Former Al Arabi star Philip Maiyo, who switched to Rayyan at the start of the season, was the architect of their victory.
“A player like Philip (Maiyo) is invaluable to any side. He proved his worth with Arabi last season and I think it’s our turn to benefit from his expertise. I’m sure he’ll play a key role in our title defence this season,” said Rayyan skipper Osman Ajab.
The Kenyan spiker’s powerful smashes proved too good for Qatar SC who slumped to their second defeat. They had lost to Al Arabi in the lung opener earlier.
Bulgarian Viktor Gorgiev had replaced long-serving coach Ghazi Kouba at Qatar SC, but the change at the helm has not yielded the desired results so far.
Rayyan, who lost to Arabi in the Super Cup final, were quick to bring back Igor Arbutina as their coach. The Croat, who has masterminded many of Rayyan’s triumphs, replaced Italian Daniele Bagnoli.
Meanwhile, Arabi continued their impressive run with a resounding 25-6, 25-11, 25-14 win over Al Sadd.