Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani presents the Amir Cup winners' trophy to Al Rayyan skipper Mubarak Dahi Waleed after the Lions defeated Al Arabi in the final at the Ladies Sports Hall in Aspire Zone yesterday.
Al Rayyan clinched their 15th Amir Cup volleyball tournament title after outclassing Al Arabi in straight games in the final at Ladies Sports Hall in Aspire Zone yesterday.
The Lions put up a dominant performance against Al Arabi – seeking a record-extending 24th crown – winning the title clash 25-19, 25-21, 25-11.
It is Al Rayyan’s third triumph of the season after winning the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) League and West Asian Club Championship, which they won after beating Kuwait Club in March.
Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners, who also received a purse of QR500,000 as prize money.
Al Arabi pocketed QR250,000 as runners-up side.
In the final, Al Rayyan looked in fine touch from the beginning particularly Marcos Vinicius, who earned some brilliant points in the start to put pressure on opponents.
Al Arabi, on the other hand, lacked precision gifting points to Al Rayyan on crucial stages, but they fought well in the first two games.
Al Rayyan continued to stay ahead in the opener but Al Arabi didn’t let them take a big lead. At one stage in the first game, Al Arabi took lead at 15-14 but Al Rayyan bounced back to take a 23-17 advantage before winning 25-19.
Al Rayyan were more impressive in the second game and secured a strong 20-12 lead exploiting Al Arabi’s lack of accuracy and errors. Al Arabi fought back from there and registered four successive points but the Lions regained their rhythm to take a 2-0 lead after Al Arabi survived two set points.
Al Rayyan wrapped up the victory in emphatic fashion taking a 15-6 lead before overcoming a brief comeback from Al Arabi to seal the prestigious title.
“I am delighted with the victory. The team gave an outstanding performance against Al Arabi in the final. This is Al Rayyan’s third title of the season which came after a lot of hardwork from all members of the squad. We are hopeful of doing better the next season,” Al Rayyan’s Oliver Venno said after the win.
