Kyoto, Japan, May 18, 2025 – Japan’s SV.League champions Suntory Sunbirds Osaka rebounded from a semifinal setback to secure bronze medal at the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League. The home team delivered a convincing straight-set 25-15, 25-15, 25-19 win over defending Asian Club champions Foolad Sirjan Iranian at Shimadzu Arena on Sunday.
Star outside hitter Dmitriy Muserskiy led the charge with 20 points, including 15 kills, one block, and an impressive four service aces. Supporting him were Alain De Armas and Ran Takahashi, who contributed 10 and 9 points respectively. For Foolad Sirjan, Delavari Mohsen led the scoring with 14 points, including 13 kills.
“After the disappointment of missing out on the final, we regrouped and set a new goal to give our best in this match, for our club, our staff, and our fans. This win means a lot, and I’m happy we could finish strong,” said Ran Takahashi during the post-match press conference.
The Sunbirds dominated from the outset, with the 218cm Muserskiy unleashing a series of powerful attacks in the opening set. His duel with Foolad Sirjan’s French volleyball icon and two-time Olympic MVP Earvin Ngapeth set the tone for a high-intensity match. However, the Japanese side maintained momentum throughout, powered by Ran Takahashi’s sharp net attacks and Muserskiy’s consistent offensive pressure.
The second set followed a similar script, with the Sunbirds racing to a 21–12 lead. Muserskiy continued to be a force at the net with blistering spikes and solid blocks. Despite a brief resurgence from Ngapeth, who contributed a few key points, a service error and Takahashi’s decisive kill sealed another set for the home team.
In a bid to shift momentum, Foolad Sirjan made several lineup changes in the third set, bringing on substitutes including middle blocker Armin Ghelichniazi, outside hitter Esmaeil Mosaferdahliboroun, and setter Bejarbaneh Ashkan Haghdoust. Although the changes helped mount a stronger challenge, they were ultimately unable to match the firepower of the Sunbirds. Muserskiy continued to lead the offensive charge, capping the match with a powerful final spike.
Following the match, SV.League Chairman Mr Masaaki Okawa, alongside High Performance Group Senior Director Mr Masashi Nambu, presented Suntory Sunbirds with the bronze medals, trophy and US$10,000 in prize money.
Foolad Sirjan Iranian, which finished fourth, were awarded US$5,000.
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