Volleyball Update: Iran and China settle-down for victory in Eurovolley Challenge 2010
The three-day boys’ event of Eurovolley Challenge 2010 finally rounded off in Austrian city Innsbruck on Monday, 20th September, 2010. The last day of the event featured two matches. The host Austria was challenged by Iran, while tournament’s
favourite China clashed with Puerto Rico. In the first match, Iran easily managed to launch their authority over Austria and posted 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, and 25-21). On the contrary, China had a hard time to snatch victory from Puerto Rico. Both teams put up
a great fight and amazed the spectators with brilliant play. In the end, China proved to be the better team and claimed victory after 5-set thriller. The two winning teams have qualified to play in the upcoming FIVB World Championship in Italy.
Austria vs. Iran
The host Austria received huge applause from local audience in the last match against Puerto Rico. The underdog Austrian team delivered exceptional performance on 19th September and secured victory. Nonetheless, the real test was about to come
in the next match against Iran. The teams made their way to the court on Monday and Iranian team looked in a good rhythm and tone.
They dominated the Austrian team right from beginning. The balanced jump-serves provided them a good start. The host team mishandled a few opening shots and helped opponents’ score. Iran pushed Austria behind by producing powerful line-shots. The tips and
aces of Gholami and Kamalvand moved like spears and ruined Austrian defence. The first set ended in Iran’s favour and scoreboard showed 25-19.
Austrian team experienced the major blow in second set. Iran barred them to score any points and dismissed most of their attack-attempts. Austrian team couldn’t produce convincing shots, and Iran easily found a way to success in second set. The points’ run
for Austria remained even low in second set. Iran claimed victory in second set by hitting 25-15. The third set saw a little improvement in team effort of Austria. Zass and Liamer of Austria generated good pace in the set but unfortunately team couldn’t achieve
success. Third set was also lost by Austria’s team and Iran celebrated a 3-0 victory.
China Puerto vs. Puerto Rico
The second match of day was more thrilling and amused the fans in a great way. China and Puerto Rico stepped forward to play the last match of Eurovolley Challenge 2010. China was in better structure after achieving success in the earlier matches. On the
contrary, Puerto Rico suffered from a set-back in their last match against Austria.
The first set was full of breath-taking moments. Chinese players moved like a bullet in order to grab the ball. Similarly Puerto Rican also continued with their strike. They formed good combinations and developed good timings, which gave them an edge on
China. By hook or by crook, China got a kill in the last moments of the game to pull off 29-27 victory in first set. However, Puerto Rican took a revenge in the following set by sending 33-31 win over China. The game-score was levelled at the end of second
set.
China outshined in the third set and successfully influenced the other side. Chen, Cui and Zhong brought their magic in the game and earned their team a lead. They kept on carrying-out nice floaters and bump-passes, which stretched the points’ gap. Puerto
Rico lost third set after receiving 14-25 defeat. Quite surprisingly, the fourth set resembled the first two sets. Puerto Rico was not ready to accept Chinese rule and caused resistance. Soto and Figoeroa came from back and hit excellent spikes. Lo and behold,
Puerto Rico won the fourth set (28-26) and game came to a dead-lock.
Anyhow, tussle was addressed to a solution by China’s triumph in fifth decisive set. China entered the winner’s circle by 3-2 victory over Puerto Rico.
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