Egypt spikers reign to lift maiden Rashid title

Egypt’s spikers proved their class in the 13th Rashid International Volleyball Tournament emerging champions for the first time with an emphatic 3-0 (25-18 25-21 25-19) triumph in their final league match against Pakistan at Al Shabab Hall in Dubai on Wednesday night.

Australia had to settle for the runner-up berth in the six-nation tournament organised by the UAE Volleyball Association with the patronage of Dubvai Sports Council, after winning a titanic battle against China 3-2 (25-22 21-25 22-25 28-26 15-13) in the first match of the evening.

Hosts UAE showed plenty of spirit but lacked the technical skills to prevent a second-string Iran side romping to a 3-0 (25-13 25-18 25-23) victory.

“I’m happy to win the title in Dubai for the first time but will be even more happier if we win the upcoming African tournament,” said Egypt’s coach Sherif Hamdy.

“This tournament helped us put the team in right shape and was good practice for the squad,” he added.

Egypt, a late replacement for India, lived up to their world ranking of no.14 by winning the event with an unbeaten record.

They also bagged two individual awards with their star spiker Ahmed Salaheldine being adjudged Most Valuable Player of the tournament while Abdalla Abdelsalam carried away the Best Server’s award.

Abdullah Saif of UAE won the Best Scorer award while Pakistan’s Naseer Ahmed was adjudged the Best Spiker.

Australia’s Aidan Zingel received the Best Blocker award, Iran’s Najati Rasoul won the Best Setter award while China’s Qi Ren was declared the Best Libero.

UAE National Olympic Committee secretary general Ibrahim Abdul Malik was the chief guest while top officials from the Asian Volleyball Federation were also present during the awarding ceremony.

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