Tehran, Iran, May 19, 2022 – In-form Nakhon Ratchasima survived a stiff challenge from Erbil Sport Club to beat the Iraqi side in dramatic four-setter 25-17, 25-13, 22-25, 25-18 in the 5th-8th playoff match in the 2022 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship at Azadi Hall on Thursday.
The 2020-21 Thailand League champions Nakhon Ratchasima mixed the excellent offensive combination of spectacular spikes from Anurak Phanram and solid blocks from the Uzbek Azizbek Kuchkorov to take the first set 25-17.
Nakhon Ratchasima maintained their good show in the second set, hoping to finish the match with a straight-set win. They came up with quick attacks and solid defence, allowing the Iraqis tough times scoring. Nakhon Ratchasima won the second set 25-13.
Erbil fought back with an aim of making amends for the disappointing loss in the first two sets. Their great determination was handsomely rewarded in the third set, thanks to aggressive spikes from Muntadher Yasir. The Iraqis intensified their defence and simultaneously went on their spectacular attacks to win the set 25-22 and raise their chances of making a comeback.
However, things turned sour for the Iraqi outfit as Nakhon Ratchasima regrouped and held off the rivals’ determined effort. The Thais captured the set 25-18 and match.
“Our team members are mostly young and we did not have time to practice a lot. Our club was primarily thinking of participation in this tournament to gain experience,” said the Iranian head coach of Erbil, Mohammad Nejati.
Nakhon Ratchasima will next battle it out with the winners between South Gas Club and Al-Rayyan Sports Club in the 5th-6th place playoff.
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