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Hosts Qatar enjoyed mixed fortunes on the final day of the AVC Continental Cup Phase 1 Western Zone on Thursday, with their men’s team capturing the title following the dramatic victory against Oman and their women’s side going down to Lebanon in the showdown at the Al-Gharafa Beach Complex.
In the men’s event, terrific Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, current FIVB world No.3 and bronze medallists at the Tokyo Olympics, not only steered Qatar to the eventual 2-1 win against Oman for the men’s tile, but also secured their men’s berth in the AVC Continental Cup Finals (Phase 3), the final qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Cherif and Ahmed on Thursday combined well to power past Oman’s Hood/Mazin 2-0 (21-17, 21-17) in 34 minutes to hand the host side their first win.
However, the formidable pairing of Ahmed and Haytham saved the day for Oman as they successfully made amends for the team’s loss in the first clash, brushing off Qatar’s Abdallah Nassim and Mahmoud Essam 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) in similar 34 minutes to help Oman hold the hosts 1-1. The Golden Match was held to determine the eventual winning team.
Cherif and Ahmed came to the Qatar’s rescue again as they pulled off a sensational 2-0 (21-17, 21-19) win against Oman’s Hood and Mazin in the Golden Match to completely end the strong visitors’ challenge.
Qatar landed the men’s title, with Oman picking up silver. Palestine had to be content with bronze medal. However, Oman still keep their hopes of advancing to the AVC Continental Cup Finals alive, but they next have to compete in Phase 2 to fight for a place in the Finals.
Meanwhile, Lebanon smashed Qatar’s dreams of making a clean sweep of both titles on offer, trouncing the host side 2-0 to reign supreme in the women’s event.
Hamzah and Mirna spent only 21 minutes in defeating Qatar A’s Sumaja Al-Madhoun and Dalama Yaghmour in a one-sided battle 21-1, 21-14 to give Lebanon the first win.
In the second match, Lebanon’s Nour and Akkari proved too strong for Laila Mahmoud and Hanaa Al-Khater, giving the Qatar B team no room of challenges as the Lebanese girls mercilessly crushed the host duo in a totally lopsided affair 21-1, 21-4 in just 16 minutes.
Lebanon, which beat Jordan 2-0 the previous day, captured the women’s crown to qualify for the AVC Cup Continental Cup Finals. Qatar claimed silver and next made it to Phase 2, while Jordan clinched the third position.
Mr Ali Ghanem Al-Kuwari,…
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