Riffa, Bahrain, August 28, 2022 – Reigning champions Iran on Sunday put it past Korea in dramatic four sets to set up the final showdown with India in the 21st Asian Men’s U20 Volleyball Championship at Isa Sports City Hall.
Iran
In the Sunday’s semifinals, unbeaten Iran, defending and six-time champions, faced a daunting task against Korea, former six-time champions and the team they had already beaten in straight sets in the 2018 edition also held here in Riffa to reign supreme.
Iran attacks Korea
The Iranians, who also tested their mettle against many senior national teams in the recent AVC Cup for Men in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand to finish a well-earned 5th place, made a solid start to take the hard-fought first set 25-22 before going down in hotly-contested second set 24-26. The remaining sets turned out to be comfortable affair as the much stronger Iranians cruised on, keeping pace to stay in control to capture the third and fourth sets 25-17, 25-19 for the match and a final berth.
India spikes past Thai blockers
The other semifinal clash between India and Thailand, bronze medallists at the previous edition here four years ago, saw the former see off the determined latter, led by a brilliant all-round performance from devastating left-hander Kittipong Sangsak, in thrilling four-setter 25-21, 23-25, 25-18, 25-17.
Kittipong, left, scores 29 points in Thailand’s 1-3 loss to India
It seemed that the Kittipong’s heroics had no answer to the excellent teamwork and effective blocks of India. Kittipong weighed in a huge 29 points including 26 attacks for Thailand, but his splendid form alone was not enough to carry the team to the final showdown. Aman Kuwar chipped in with 18 points for India, while Tanish Chaudhary and Harshir Giri kept good company to add 15 and 12 points respectively. The Indians took the height advantage to score 15 block points against Thailand’s 7 in this tough-looking match.
Iran celebrate their win
Iran advanced to the final showdown for the 10th time, while India made it to the showdown for the third time in history and the first time in 20 years since they had entered their previous 2002 final in Tehran, where they went down to hosts and eventual winners Iran 1-3.
India celebrates a point win
In 1994 in Doha, Qatar, India made their debut final in this topflight age group event, but only picked up silver with the title going to Korea.
India are looking forward to the Monday’s showdown, aiming to avenge the loss to…
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