Qatar yesterday produced a sterling show in their first match of the last 8 stage at the 21st Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship, thrashing Australia 3-0 in Chiba, Japan. Youssef Oughlaf, Belal Nabel and Nikola Vasic were stars for Al Annabi as the trio combined for a total of 37 points. Qatar won the match with a 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 score-line after overcoming a sluggish start to the match.
Qatar will take on China in their final group match today and victory against China will ensure their place in the semifinals. Australia will take on hosts Japan today. The matches of the tournament are being played at the Chiba Port Arena. Yesterday, Australia started well but Qatar soon gained control of the match despite early errors in attack. Captain Ibrahim Ibrahim fired three aces in the first set as Qatar came within a point, 13-12. They also activated the middle attack to add to Oughlaf’s right wing mission.
As their opponents suffered from errors, Qatar took the first set, 25-20. Al Annabi enforced their middle game further with Abunabot upfront. They also earned off their opponent’s numerous attack miscues and service errors.
During extended sequences, setter Milos Stevanovic made good decisions to ultimately enable his hitters toward a good swing. Oughlaf operated with more energy and consistency from the right flank, which helped Qatar succeed with 25-20 in the second set.
In the third set, Australia changed up their right-wing hitter to Curtis Stockton, who was able to connect on several plays.
Max Staples and Edgar were set up from the left side, but the Volleyroos could not seem to get their rhythm going. They needed to control the middle more to increase their chances of getting back in the match.
Qatar found good benefit from Vasic who swung from the flanks and also played fantastic game on the receive. He scored the final point for Qatar’s 25-21 finish in the final set.
