Hosts Qatar, who used the fifth International Friendly Volleyball Tournament to measure their mettle and fettle ahead of the Asian Championships, finished as the runners-up with a pleasing 3-0 victory over India on Friday.
At the Al Arabi Club Indoor Hall, Qatar, who had lost the opening match to eventual champions Egypt, held their nerves in an exciting third set before posting a 25-22 25-18 29-27 triumph, their second in the event.
Egypt, who have recently won the group stage of the demanding FIVB World League and qualified for the historical second round, emerged the winners by winning all their three outings. They just dropped a point to continental rivals Cameroon in the last match as they edged them 3-2.
Qatar, who had won the title last year, collected six points from two wins to take the second spot, followed by Cameroon, who had three points from one victory and two losses. India, who brought mainly youngsters to provide them exposure, finished at the bottom of the four-nation event, having lost all their clashes.
The third set of the match was the roller-coaster. The Indians fought hard to stay in the set and even got the first set point. Bassam spiked well to draw level. Qatar then secured three set points as India could not control the receptions and failed to finish the rallies. At the end, Neto got a touch-out to set up the fourth set-point and sealed the victory with a smash.
Qatar’s Rahimi was given more time and chances during the match against India and the wing spiker did well to justify his coach Juan Cichello’s faith in him. A player with tremendous jump, he notched up 11 points to lead the team.
Middle blockers Mohamed Ibrahim (9 points), John Chigbo (8) and outside hitter Juma Faraj (8) were other players to impress. Libero Sulaiman pulled off some nice digs for the winners as well.
Rana was the best Indian on the show, mustering a match-high 12 points. Jerome (8), Charles (6) and Akhin (5) kept their team’s challenge.
Qatar coach Cichello commented after the match, “We beat a young Indian team today. I think it is their under-23 team but I don’t know if there will be the same Indian team in Tehran.
“We tested somethings that we’d been practising in the camp. Also we’ve to give time to all the players at the court. I’m happy that we had a better wing attack and it won us some crucial points.
“Sure, I’m glad with the progress that we’ve made during the training sessions. The process to improve is to continue. The training is one thing but the match is another ball game. You face real situations only in the matches. The team is shaping well.
“Our aim in Iran is to get a place among top eight. To do this, we must beat India and Turkmenistan in our group. It is not easy but we’ll try to do our best there,” added the Argentine.
Indian coach A Venkatesh said his players got the experience he was looking for. “It was a high-level tournament with strong teams like Egypt and Qatar participating. We brought mainly the second string to help my players get some vital exposure and experience.
“I’m sure it was a good outing for them. The youngsters gave a good account of themselves. Their lack of tough situation experience was evident during the third set. The reception at the end was not that good. Otherwise, we could have got a set.
The Indian official also added that there would be a different national team for the upcoming Asian Championships, to be held in Tehran, Iran from July 31. “We’ll soon have the selection trials and we’ll bring a changed team in Iran. Some youngsters are good and may be picked for the continental championship.”
Results
Friday’s round
Egypt beat Cameroon 3-2 (27-25 22-25 29-27 23-25 15-10)
Qatar beat India 3-0 (25-22 25-18 29-27)
Thursday’s round
Egypt beat India 3-0 (25-21 26-24 25-19)
Qatar beat Cameroon 3-0 (25-20 25-17 25-20)
Wednesday’s round
Cameroon beat India 3-2 (19-25 25-22 25-19 25-18 15-10)
Egypt beat Qatar 3-1 (25-23 22-25 25-19 25-20)