Qatar finished a creditable fifth in the Asian Volleyball Championship in Japan, ending their campaign with a 25-21, 25-11, 25-23 win over Australia in the playoff match in Chiba, Japan, on Sunday.The fifth place was Qatar’s second best finish in the tournament. They were fourth in Tehran 2015.Qatar were in control for a major part of the match on Sunday except in the third set when Australia attempted a late comeback. Camilo Soto’s men recovered quickly though to quell the challenge and trooped out winners.The team from Down Under was a lot more subdued than in their previous encounter against Qatar in the second phase group match last week. Qatar had won that match too in straight sets but faced a lot more resistance.

In the playoff match, Qatar sped away to big leads in the first set, their spikers breaking through their opponents’ blocks with ease. In the second, Australia’s form dipped further and they looked a pale shadow of the combative outfit that they can be. Coach Soto and his men again built big leads and closed out the set with ease.Australia finally showed the aggression they are known for in the third set but it came a little late even as Qatar were looking to close out the contest. Leading 23-20, Australia narrowed down the deficit to 24-23 but Qatar held on to win.