Iran emerged champions of the 12th Rashid International Volleyball Tournament with an unbeaten record after defeating Lebanon 3-0 in their final league match at Al Shabab Club Hall on Wednesday.
India finished second in the six-team competition organised by the UAE Volleyball Association and held under the patronage of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
They scored a thrilling 3-1 victory over 22nd ranked Tunisia who had to settle for third spot followed by Lebanon.
Pakistan playing without their star player Ahmed Naseer notched their first win in the tournament against UAE 3-1 to take fifth position after dropping the third set against a resurgent home side.
Iran’s coach Akbari Payman who had been exhorting his players to focus 100 per cent was finally pleased after their emphatic performance against a side ranked more than 40 places below them following their 25-20 25-11 25-23 domination.
“Our system and tactics we employed were good and the players displayed superb coordination,” said Payman after winning their third title in Dubai following their triumphs in 2004 and 2006.
“Although the players did not play very hard because even if they had lost they would have been champions, it was a good opportunity to try out all the players,” he said expressing his gratitude to the organisers for providing them this opportunity.
Javad Mohammed Nejad produced another outstanding performance in a wonderful team effort by Iran’s spikers who made few errors in attack while their defence was impeccable.
Iran, ranked 18th in the world, proved to be too strong for Lebanon who were handicapped by injury to their key setter Wessam Al Hasri. They also missed the services of Elyas Abeshadeed who had to return home because of an emergency.
“Iran played very well and their team work was superb. We missed the captain with his replacement Nadir Faris not up to mark,” said Lebanon’s coach Essam Abojaodah.
India came from behind to snatch the opening set 25-23 blunting the powerplay of the Tunisia with some splendid blocking at the net.
Hichem Kaabi gave Tunisia a 16-13 edge with his powerful spikes while Elyes Karamosli . India slowly but steadily closed the gap by tightening their defence while Ukkrapandian helped them steal some points by setting up good ball while Pradeep made some good hits to turn the tide.
But it was a spike to the corner of the court by veteran Sanjay Kumar which saw them draw level for the first time 22-22 spurring their comeback. They blunted an attack to take the lead 23-22 while Hamza Nagga’s spike saw Tunisia draw level 23-23 before India closed them out with some good defending.
Tunisia held the advantage for most of the third set but India clawed their way back again with some crafty play by Ukkrapandian and some effective spiking through the middle by Naveen Raja Jacob to 25-23.
Kaabi was outstanding getting the big points for Tunisia with his angled spikes to give them a 16-12 but once India drew level they clung on tenaciously to grab the set and lead 2-1 with Pradeep getting some crucial hits.
India had a vice-like grip on the fourth set which they won 25-17 always being a step ahead of their rivals especially the quick thinking Ukkrapandian who outwitted the opposition time and again. India took a crucial 16-13 and widened the gap as they grew in confidence with Player of match Pradeep scoring with three spectacular spikes consecutively followed by Ukkrapandian’s sleight of hand to tip the ball across the net. A double block by Sube Singh and Naveen Raja Jacob sealed a well deserved victory for the 46th ranked Indians against a young and talented Tunisian side whose are ranked 22nd in the world.
In a match which seemed to lack intensity, Pakistan eased past UAE in the opening set 25-19. Rassol Mohib gave them the edge with his well executed spikes while Khan Farooq unleashed a service winners to seal the opening set in style.
Hosts UAE who were playing catch up closed the gap 18-19 at one stage before Pakistan pulled away 23-19 and also bagged the second comfortably 25-20.
Just when it seemed like Pakistan were running away with the match, UAE showed their fighting qualities to pull back the third set 25-19 with Abdullah Ali Saif in attack and Rashid Ayoob timely jumps at the nets bringing them the big points. Ayoob was later adjudged Player of the match for his consistent performance.
They took the lead for the first time 8-7 and though Pakistan regained the initiative at 16-13, UAE fought tooth and nail to streak ahead 17-16.
They won four straights points from 20-18 with an inspired display, finishing with a flourish.
Pakistan surged to a 8-1 lead in the fourth set before UAE staged another spirited fightback to draw level at 15-15. But Pakistan asserted their superiority to hold the edge 22-18 and although UAE managed to save two match points, Naqvi Syed Shujah returned to strike the winner for a 25-21 victory.
“UAE improved in each game. This was their best performance,” said UAE’s assistant coach Ibrahim Almanaee.