Qatar volleyball team hits top 20 of FIVB rankings having excelled at Asian C’ship

Tribune News Network The Qatar volleyball team made it to the top 20 in the FIVB World Rankings thanks to their impressive show at the 21st Asian Senior Me...

Tribune News NetworkThe Qatar volleyball team made it to the top 20 in the FIVB World Rankings thanks to their impressive show at the 21st Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship in Japan, where the side finished fifth among 16 nations.In Sunday’s play-off match, Qatar scored a straight sets win (25-21, 25-11, 25-23) against former champions Australia to sign off from the latest edition of the biennial championship in style. Qatar had earlier too blanked Australia in the tournament.In the decisive classification match at the Chiba Port Arena, Qatar’s Youssef Oughlaf led all scorers on the field, charting 17 points from 15 attacks and 2 blocks. Nikola Vasic added another 15 points in the victory.Qatar started strong with their usual, reliable line-up, with Oughlaf at right side. Vasic and Renan Ribeiro comprised the passing unit, which played really tight and agile in transition. They were able to play the wing attack with good measure, which their opponents needed to formulate good block formation.Qatar responded to the Australian challenge with Ouglaf and Vasic scoring crucial points, to help take 25-21 in the first set.Al Annabi went on to dominate the second set, getting good results on the outside zones, and handling the counter-attack really well. They were also lining up well with the block, which further hampered their opponents’ search for good rhythm. They took the second set at 25-11 from a service error.In the third set, Qatar continued their good rhythm, with setter Milos Stevanovic running their straightforward, successful offense.Australia picked up their tempo and composure, setting Thomas Edgar at the right flank, while O‘Dea still put in the hard work in the middle. Curtis Stockton also helped in attack and gained from the opponents’ errors to save a match point.Qatar took the final set 25-23 with Oughlaf’s explosive attack.Qatar had beaten India (3-0) and Bahrain (3-0) while losing against eventual runners-up Japan and bronze winners China prior to the play-off match. Iran, meanwhile, succeeded in defending their title with a thrilling 3-0 win (27-25, 25-22, 31-29) in the final showdown against hosts Japan.