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Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Shake Off Saudi Scare to March Into Final
TDT | Manama The stage is set for a fitting finale to the WAVA Men's Volleyball Championship 2025, with hosts Bahrain facing an unbeaten Qatar side in tonight's gold medal match. Both arrived in peak form, but their semi-final wins followed sharply different arcs. Bahrain Finally Blink Bahrain's 3–1 win over Saudi Arabia (26–28, 25–16, 25–22, 25–22) was the first time the hosts had dropped a set in the tournament. They led 23–20 in the opener, only to collapse under a string of errors and a great service run from Marwan Al Hawasawi, who ended as top scorer with 23 points. That early stumble jolted the Bahrainis into action. In the second set, their reliable trio—Naser Anan, Ali Ebrahim, and Mohammed Yaqoob—found rhythm. Anan later admitted they were briefly caught out. 'They came out aggressive and pushed us off balance,' he said. 'We weren't sharp enough on serve or block, and that's on us. But we stayed together, stuck to our system, and earned the win.' Yaqoob echoed him: 'We'd played two friendlies against Saudi and knew they had quality, but we weren't expecting the intensity they brought tonight. It caught us off guard. Now we prepare for Qatar and it's never an easy match against them.' With Hassan Al Warqaa dominant in the middle and Bahrain's wings clicking, the second set swung their way 25–16. Saudi pressed through Mohammed Adel and Al Hawasawi, but coach Arnaud Josserand's late third-set sub Mohammed Anan shifted the tone. Bahrain sealed the next two sets 25–22. Statistically, Bahrain edged it: 101 total points to Saudi's 88, 12 blocks to five, and fewer errors (28 to 34). Both sides served two aces, but Saudi's 18 service errors were costly compared to Bahrain's 12. Qatar Stay Clinical, Wadidie Leads Earlier, Qatar swept aside Oman 3–0 (25–18, 25–19, 25– 20). Raimi Wadidie starred with 17 points, including three blocks and two aces. 'We knew Oman would be aggressive, it's a semi-final,' said Waleed Mohamed Widatalla. 'But we stayed focused and followed the plan.' Qatar reached the final with straight-sets wins over Lebanon (twice) and Kuwait. Bahrain had done the same to Jordan, Lebanon, UAE and Kuwait before this semi. With 2024 Arab Championship and 2025 AVC Nations Cup titles already secured, Bahrain are one match away from a third crown in less than a year. But tonight's 7pm final at Isa bin Rashed Volleyball Hall will test them, because Qatar haven't blinked either. Entry is free for all.
Qatar Tribune
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Pakistan to meet Bahrain in AVC Nations Cup final
Agencies Manama (Bahrain) Pakistan set up AVC Nations Cup 2025 final with Bahrain as they beatQatar 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) in the semi-final on Monday. The victory avenged Pakistan's loss to Qatar in last year's AVC Challenge Cup final and marked their most impressive performance of the tournament. Pakistan will meet Bahrain in the final on Tuesday. Bahrain beat South Korea 3-2 (25–21, 25–23, 21–25, 18–25, 15–13) in the other semi-final. Pakistan dominated statistically, outscoring Qatar 75-65 overall. The team recorded 47 attack points to Qatar's 41 and posted 7 blocks against Qatar's 5. While Qatar held a slight edge in serves (2-1), Pakistan's disciplined play forced 20 errors from their opponents. Usman Faryad Ali spearheaded the attack with a match-high 18 points (17 attacks, 1 block). Captain Murad Jehan added 16 points, all from attacks, while Murad Khan contributed 7 points. Fahad Raza's playmaking produced 5 points, and Musawer chipped in with 4. The complete team effort overcame Qatar's higher world ranking and demonstrated Pakistan's rapid improvement. 'This victory proves rankings don't tell the whole story,' said Pakistan Volleyball Federation Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob. 'Our players showed tremendous heart and skill against one of Asia's best teams.' Pakistan face Bahrain in Tuesday's final, with a chance to claim their first AVC Nations Cup title.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan stun Qatar to reach AVC Volleyball final
A view of the Pakistan-Qatar volleyball semifinal at the AVC Nations Cup in Bahrain on Monday. PHOTO: PVF Pakistan advanced to the final of the AVC Nations Cup Volleyball Tournament after securing a stunning straight-sets victory over Qatar in the semifinal. According to reports from Bahrain, where the inaugural edition of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup is currently underway, Pakistan - ranked 43rd in the world - outclassed world number 23 Qatar by 3-0, securing at least a silver medal in the tournament. The national team displayed remarkable composure and skill, winning the first two sets with identical scores of 25-22, and sealing the match with a 25-21 win in the third set. The Nations Cup final will be played tomorrow, with Pakistan either facing Korea or the hosts, Bahrain. Earlier in the quarterfinals, Pakistan defeated Indonesia 3-1. Indonesia is ranked 62nd in the world. During the group stage, Pakistan emerged as Group C champions by defeating both the Philippines and Chinese Taipei. It is worth noting that due to its impressive performances on the international circuit, Pakistan has climbed significantly in the global volleyball rankings, rising from 89th to 45th position. For the unversed, the tournament is being played in Manama from June 17 to 24 and features 12 teams. These include Pakistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Thailand, Qatar, Australia, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand. For context, the tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Volleyball Championship, with top-performing teams earning world ranking points and potential entry into the 2028 Olympic Games and the 2027 FIVB World Championships. PVF Chairman Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob shared his remarks on the historic victory: "This win is more than just a semi-final resultit's a statement. The players have shown tremendous heart and discipline. Climbing to World No. 39 is a reflection of the hard work being done at all levels of Pakistan volleyball. We now set our eyes on the final with pride and confidence.
GMA Network
23-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips set for Alas Pilipinas debut in VTV Cup
Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips are finally set for their national team debuts, leading a new-look Alas Pilipinas Women team for the VTV Women's International Cup from June 28 to July 5 in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam. Alas head coach Jorge de Brito confirmed the addition of the Petro Gazz duo as the Filipinas look to build on their historic silver medal finish in the AVC Nations Cup just weeks ago. Van Sickle and Phillips are among the eight new faces in the team, with Choco Mucho rookie setter Tia Andaya joining the 17-woman pool to help veteran and two-time AVC Best Setter Jia de Guzman and Lams Lamina in the playmaking chores. Also coming in as setter is another Choco Mucho star in Mars Alba. Meanwhile, joining reigning AVC Best Middle Blocker Dell Palomata at the net are holdovers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate as well as the newcomer tandem of Maddie Madayag and La Salle's Amie Provido. Alleiah Malaluan and Justine Jazareno round out the additions. Dawn Catindig, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Alas reserve Leila Cruz will be returning for another tour duty. Bella Belen, Angel Canino, Julia Coronel, Alyssa Solomon, and Jen Nierva, who played crucial roles in the AVC Nations Cup, will not be part of the squad this time around. —JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
21-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
Alas Pilipinas Men fall to Thailand in straight sets
The Alas Pilipinas Men fell to Thailand in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20, 25-18, on early Saturday (Philippine time) in the classification round of the AVC Nations Cup in Manama, Bahrain. The Philippines inched closer in the third set, 13-11, after a Louie Ramirez attack, but the Thais pulled away to lead 19-13. A service error and Buds Buddin attack, with Amornthep Khonhan's attack in between, put the Philippines closer, 20-15, but Thailand eventually cruised to the victory. No Philippine player scored in double digits as Buddin had a team-high eight points, while Ramirez and Peng Taguibolos had six points apiece. Amornthep Khonhan, meanwhile, led Thailand with 14 points, while Anurak Phanram and Chaiwat Thungkham had 12 points each. The Philippines will wrap its campaign on Tuesday when it takes on New Zealand. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
