HOSTS QATAR, OMAN SET UP MEN’S SHOWDOWN IN AVC CONTINENTAL CUP PHASE 1 WESTERN ZONE

Hosts Qatar and Oman set up the final men’s showdown in the AVC Continental Cup Phase 1 Western Zone, which started on Tuesday at Al-Gharafah Beach Complex following their opening wins against respective Palestine and Saudi Arabia in the knockout competition.

The qualification of Qatar came after its 2-1 victory over Palestine. Qatar A’s Cherif Younousse/Ahmed Tijan, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists and current FIVB world ranking No.3, handed the host side the first win after powering past Palestine A in two straight sets 21-10 and 21-14.

However, Qatar B’s Mahmoud Essam and Abdullah Naseim could not follow suit to go down surprisingly to the visitors 1-2. The Qataris took the first set without much trouble 21-13, but Palestine came back to capture the second set 21-18 and went on their fine form to win the decider 15-12. The match win saved the day for the Palestine as they salvaged for a 1-1 draw.

Still, Cherif/Ahmed came to the hosts’ rescue as they restored their pride to win the golden match against Palestine 2-0 (21-11, 21-8) for the Qatar’s eventual 2-1 win against the visitors.

Meanwhile, Oman proved too strong for Saudi Arabia to capture the sensational 2-0 win in their Tuesday’s clash.

Oman A brushed off Saudi Arabia A 2-0 (21-7, 21-15), while Oman B repeatedly beat the rivals’ B team 2-0 in a completely one-sided affair 21-13, 21-9 for the Oman’s eventual 2-0 triumph.

With only four teams (Qatar, Palestine, Oman and Saudi Arabia) participating in the men’s event of the three-day tournament, Qatar and Oman set up the final showdown on Thursday, with the eventual winners on Wednesday qualifying directly for the AVC Continental Cup Phase 3.

On Wednesday, Lebanon will take on Jordan in the women’s event, which attracted only three teams – Jordan, Lebanon and hosts Qatar.

On the same day, Saudi Arabia are due to battle it out with Palestine for the bronze medal in the men’s event. The losers will return with the fourth place.