Unbeaten Qatar stay in contention for semis berth at Asian volleyball

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July 08,2024
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23-August-2023

Unbeaten Qatar stay in contention for semis berth at Asian volleyball

IRAN - Formidable Qatar handed Thailand another loss in the 22nd Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship following a well-fought 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-22) win against the AVC Challenge Cup winners at Al Ghadir Hall 1 on Wednesday.

Following their great win in this elimination phase, which sees the winners move up to the Top Six and the losers relegated to ranking 7-12, the Qataris, who have yet lost a single set to their respective rivals in this championship, keep their semi-finals hopes alive.

Raimi Wadidie’s splendid partnership with Youssef Oughlaf proved too much for Thailand in this match. However, the Thai team gathered their courage for a comeback, but their determined efforts were denied by the Qataris’ solid defence.

Raimi Wadidie chipped in with 17 points all from attacks, while Napadet Bhinijdee topped Thailand’s charge with 14 points all from attacks.

As Thailand were ensured of being relegated to Classification Round for 7th-12th playoffs, unbeaten Qatar reached the elite Top Six.

Qatar were ranked 18th in the updated official FIVB Mens Volleyball World Ranking with 168.91 points, up from the 19th place in the last ranking.

Poland came atop the ranking table followed by the US and Italy. Qatar's advance on the ranking table came after finishing second at the World Volleyball Challenger Cup (Qatar 2023) in July.

Also they qualified to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship, currently staged in Iran.