Two-time champions El Jaish began their Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) Cup campaign in resounding style by posting two straight-set victories.
Jaish, who won the QVA Cup in 2013 and ’14, beat Al Gharafa 25-15, 25-13, 25-20 in the Group B opener before easing past Al Shamal 25-13, 25-16, 25-8.
Playing their first tournament under new coach Ljubomir Travica, the Armymen looked a determined lot and hardly broke a sweat in both matches.
With most Qatar internationals being absent, the season-opening event was a chance for fringe players to impress.
German Christian Pampel did the star turn for Jaish. The former Arabi star may be 36, but he showed age has not slowed down his reflexes as his lethal smashes proved too tough for Gharafa blockers.
Pampel, who played at the ’08 Beijing Olympics, again made the difference against Shamal.
In Group A, Al Ahli defeated Al Sadd 25-19, 25-23, 25-21 while Police suffered a 22-25, 34-36, 25-15, 27-29 loss to Al Wakrah.
* Doha Stadium Plus