Bahrain Sweep Indonesia to Top Group A at AVC Nations Cup
TDT | Manama
Hosts stay perfect with a clean 3-0 win as both sides advance to the quarter-finals
Bahrain Seal First Place in Style
Bahrain closed out the group stage of the AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup in comfortable fashion, beating Indonesia in straight sets on Thursday night. The 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 win at Isa Bin Rashid Arena in Manama confirmed their place at the top of Group A with a perfect record.
Backed by a home crowd, Bahrain built on their earlier win over Thailand to finish the group stage unbeaten. Indonesia, despite the defeat, also progress as runners-up.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Bahrain took early control with strong serving and disciplined net defence, opening a 9-4 lead in the first set. Indonesia struggled to respond, undone by unforced errors and inconsistent blocking. The hosts capitalized, taking the set 25-13 and setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Opposite spiker Ali Ebrahim continued his standout tournament, tying for top scorer with 14 points—12 from attack and two from the service line. Outside hitter Mohammed Yaqoob matched that total with 13 kills and a block, while captain Naser Anan and middle blocker Mohammed Abdulla added balance at the net.
Indonesia Rally but Fall Short
The second set offered more resistance from Indonesia. Led by Boy Arnez and Dio Zulfikri, they fought back from an early deficit to lead 15-14 and eventually reached set point at 25-24. But Bahrain held firm. Tight defence and a composed finish turned the tide, taking the set 27-25.
In the third, Bahrain again kept their composure. Though Indonesia stayed within reach, the hosts maintained a slim lead throughout and closed out the match 25-22 to complete a 3-0 sweep.
Quarter-Final Bracket Set
With the group stage wrapped, Bahrain will face Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Indonesia meet Group C winners Pakistan, while the other ties see Korea take on Australia and Vietnam face Qatar. All matches take place at the Isa bin Rashid Hall.
Entry remains free throughout the tournament, with growing home support expected as Bahrain continue their campaign on home soil.
Match Statistics
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
21 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Cristiano's Kingdom
TDT | Manama Ronaldo Signs Football's Most Powerful Deal Announced last week, Cristiano Ronaldo's new contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr is a record-breaking feat never seen before in the sport. The two-year extension delivers staggering numbers and unprecedented influence for a player reshaping the business of football. The headline figure: €185 million a year (BD75.3 million) or around €15 million monthly (BD6.1 million), €3.8 million weekly (BD1.55 million), and €550,000 per day (BD224,000). It confirms Ronaldo once again as the world's highest-paid footballer. But the deal extends far beyond salary. Ownership and Influence Ronaldo's contract includes a minority ownership stake in Al Nassr, reportedly worth €38 million (BD15.5 million). This long-term equity ties him directly to the club's future and solidifies his role off the pitch. He will also have input on player recruitment, which is an almost unheard-of level of authority for an active player. Farwell Hints to Future Plans Speculation flared after Ronaldo posted 'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written' following Al Nassr's final league game. Some saw it as a farewell, with reports linking him to Club World Cup suitors. Instead, he's doubled down, remaining at the club while stepping deeper into its core footballing decisions. The Long Game Ronaldo has scored 93 goals in 105 matches since joining, but a major trophy has eluded him. This contract is built to change that, with massive performance bonuses: He'll also earn €93,000 (BD37,800) per goal and €46,000 (BD18,700) per assist—both rising 20% in the contract's second year. At 39, Ronaldo still sets his sights high. While the 1,000-goal milestone may remain out of reach, his numbers and ambition remain elite. Saudi Football's Statement Ronaldo's extended presence signals a continued push for global relevance in Saudi football. For Al Nassr, his commercial magnetism and influence in sporting decisions elevate their standing on and off the field. As he said at the Globe Soccer Awards: 'Maybe the owner of the club. If I will be the owner, I will make things clear.' That moment feels less hypothetical now.
Daily Tribune
21 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Set for William Jones Cup Return
TDT | Manama National team to face eight opponents in Chinese Taipei Bahrain's men's basketball team will compete in the 44th William Jones Cup from July 12 to 20, taking on a demanding schedule against some of Asia's top sides. The tournament, hosted in Chinese Taipei, is the team's second appearance in the competition and comes as part of their wider preparation for the Arab Nations Championship later this summer. Vovoras Takes Charge Newly appointed head coach Georgios Vovoras will make his Bahrain debut in the tournament. The 48-year-old Greek brings top-level experience from across Europe and the NBA Summer League, with previous stints at the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Vovoras is currently working with an 18-player squad, which includes a mix of local talent and international professionals such as Wayne Chism, Elijah Thomas, and Jakarr Sampson. Packed Schedule Bahrain open their campaign against Japan on July 12. They'll then face Chinese Taipei's national development team and Malaysia, followed by back-to-back games against teams from Australia, the UAE, Qatar, Chinese Taipei's senior national team, and the Philippines. The full match schedule is as follows: The field features national teams, university sides, and clubs from Bahrain, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, the UAE, Qatar, the Philippines, and hosts Chinese Taipei. Building Toward Tunisia The Bahrain Basketball Association sees the tournament as a key part of its strategy to elevate the national team through top level exposure. The experience is expected to help with their preparations ahead of the Arab Nations Championship in Tunisia, which kicks off July 25. Bahrain's return to the William Jones Cup, nearly half a century since their last appearance, reflects the federation's serious intent to raise their game across Asia.
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Daily Tribune
HM King Hamad Holds Special Cabinet Meeting, Emphasizes Unity, Progress, and Regional Stability.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, chaired a special Cabinet meeting held today at Sakhir Palace. The meeting was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. King's Greetings on the Islamic New Year The King began the meeting by extending warm congratulations to the people of Bahrain and the entire Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of the Hijri New Year 1447. He prayed for a year filled with peace, security, and prosperity for Bahrain and the wider region. Welcoming UK-Bahrain Strategic Partnership His Majesty welcomed the positive outcomes of the Crown Prince's meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, which resulted in signing a defense cooperation and strategic investment partnership agreement. The King highlighted the historic ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom and welcomed the UK's participation in the comprehensive security and prosperity integration agreement, emphasizing Bahrain's invitation alongside the United States. Government Efforts and Security Forces The King praised the government's efforts, led by the Crown Prince, in enhancing the readiness of government bodies to manage civil emergencies. He expressed deep gratitude to Bahrain Defence Force, Ministry of Interior, and all security and civil agencies for their dedication in maintaining the nation's security and Majesty expressed his pride in the unity and strong social cohesion of Bahraini society, appreciating the citizens' responsible national awareness and their commitment to safeguarding development and national achievements during challenging regional circumstances. Bahrain-Russia Relations The King welcomed the results of Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Bahrain's distinguished participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He thanked Russia for inviting Bahrain as an official guest of honor, emphasizing the developmental and strategic partnership between the two countries. Historic Win for Bahrain's National Volleyball Team His Majesty proudly celebrated Bahrain's national volleyball team winning the Asian Nations Cup for the first time in history. He praised Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his significant efforts in preparing the team and extended congratulations to the Bahrain Volleyball Federation, players, coaches, and supporters. Solidarity with Qatar King Hamad reaffirmed Bahrain's full solidarity with brotherly Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states during the sensitive times the region is facing. He condemned the recent attack on Qatar's sovereignty by Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, praising the GCC's unified stance. Support for US-Brokered Ceasefire and Palestinian Rights His Majesty welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. He stressed Bahrain's commitment to peace and diplomacy as the foundation for regional stability and prosperity. The King reiterated Bahrain's full support for the Palestinian people's rights to live in peace, freedom, and dignity, and the urgent need to end hostilities in Gaza, release hostages, and provide humanitarian aid. Preparing for Upcoming GCC Summit in Bahrain The King warmly welcomed the upcoming 46th GCC Supreme Council meeting scheduled to be held in Bahrain in December. He expressed hopes for its success in advancing joint Gulf action amid regional challenges and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related bodies to prepare thoroughly, reflecting Bahrain's constructive role in promoting GCC unity and cooperation. Bahrain Wins Non-Permanent Seat on UN Security Council His Majesty expressed pride in Bahrain securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. He noted this as recognition of Bahrain's moderate policies and constructive role in maintaining global peace and security. Ensuring a Safe and Successful Ashura Season King Hamad directed all relevant authorities to ensure full preparations and provide all necessary support to guarantee a successful and secure Ashura season. He highlighted Bahrain's historic openness, tolerance, unity, and social cohesion, which make the kingdom a stable and peaceful haven for development and achievement. Crown Prince's Appreciation of National Efforts In response, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to the King for his recognition of national efforts. He emphasized that the King's support inspires all government teams to continue their dedicated work toward fulfilling His Majesty's vision. The Crown Prince reaffirmed the government's commitment to preparing thoroughly for the upcoming GCC summit and ensuring the success of the Ashura season.
