Volleyball Update: Familiar faces in the semi-final of 15th Asian Men’s Jr. Championship (Part 2)
The second set of the game totally belonged to the pumped-up Japan. They served with intense power and ball stayed in the Thai court for most of times. Channarong Katjam of Thailand tried to defend his team’s position but it seemed like they were totally
out of luck that day. Moreover, Thailand hit illegal shots and suffered a set-back from the opposite side. Japan easily built an early lead over Thailand. The home crowd was disappointed to see the unsteady performance of their team but the true enthusiast
of volleyball appreciated the guest team’s effort. They cheered them and clapped their hands on every good shot.
Japan crept to the end-line and became stronger by capturing the second set. They posted 25-12 win over Thailand and ruled the game.
Thailand battled to save their reputation and re-aligned player positions in third set. It was their only chance to survive in the quarter-final match. Japan was already in a better form after securing opening two sets. The home-side was resolved to display
improved game in third set. However, the tough contender, Japan stood in their way like a concrete wall. The Japanese blockers didn’t let the ball pass and returned Thai spikes back in their court. Thailand progressed with a very low pace, while Japan was
in commanding position. They hit unstoppable shots and widened the gap of their lead.
Thailand tried different strategies and threw the ball from various angles. Nevertheless, success stayed away from them and they finally lost energy. Japan edged Thailand by sending 25-15 in third set. The visitor-Japan kicked out the host team out of the
game. Japan is now scheduled to face tournament’s top team China in the semi-final match on 8th October, 2010.
India vs. Korea
India vies for a berth in the semi-final by their magnificent victory over Korea. They staged a 5-set thriller and amused the spectators with a display of incredible game. In the first set, Korea came hard on India and took a lead. The Korean squad had quick
players, who thrashed the ball in Indian court and dominated the scene. Indian players took a little time to settle in their positions but they couldn’t save the first set. Korean clinched first set from India by 25-17. Korea’s Sim Kyoung was the main force
behind their success.
India struggled to level the score in second set. They avoided mistakes they committed in first set and attained stability. Korea hit speedy line-shots but India defended very well and refused to accept Korean power. They hit back and took their score to
the verge of winning. India pulled off success in second set by creating 25-21.
Third set started and Korea once again disturbed the balance. They came out very strong and bagged third set victory with the help of 25-23.
It was India’s turn to show their talent. India attacked with R. Vaishnav and levelled the game by capturing fourth set. Korea was forced to play another set as the game-score was levelled at 2-2.
Somehow, the conflict was ended in the final set with India’s triumph. India performed better and secured the 15-point golden set to announce their victory in quarter-final.
Iran vs. Qatar
Iran took on Qatar and heavily influenced the young players of Qatar. Iran was equipped with experienced players, who easily managed to dismiss Qatar. The Iranians restricted Qatar’s team to score only 9 points in the first set. The following set saw a little
improvement but still Qatar couldn’t manage to put up with Iran’s score. They posted 25-13 over Qatar in second set. Iran ousted Qatar with a score of 25-18 in third set and confirmed it participation in the semi-final with India.
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