Manama, Bahrain, July 29, 2024 – Australia battled past Hong Kong, China 3-1 (25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 28-26) on Monday to keep their hopes alive of securing a Top 8 spot in the 15th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship at Isa Sport City Hall C.
The Australians came away with their first victory of the competition after opening with a tough loss to Thailand on Sunday. But they showed their resilience against Hong Kong, China and their capacity to recover well following a setback.
They took a commanding lead after the first two sets and appeared to be on their way to a straight-sets result. Hong Kong, China had other plans, however, as they denied them a sweep to extend the match.
In the fourth set, the Australians were able to grind out a 26-all, setting the stage for end-game heroics from Sionetupou Veamatahau and Hamilton Vincent. They supplied the winning points to close the match out with back-to-back attacks on the left wing.
Veamatahau finished as Australia’s top scorer with 24 points, while Jack Renner and Dan Moisescu added 14 apiece. Ching Kin Ko finished with 19 points for Hong Kong, China, while Pak Kwan Wan scored 10.
Australia will next face off against hosts Bahrain on Tuesday, while Hong Kong, China will take on Thailand. Both are must-win contests to enhance their chances of going through round of last 8 teams.
Pakistan through to Top 8 after 3-0 demolition of India
At the second hall, Pakistan posted a stunning 3-0 (25-20, 29-27, 25-15) victory over India on Monday for an all-important win in Pool D.
The result earned them a place in the Elite Eight with one match still to play in the preliminary round, while India need to win their final game against Korea on Tuesday to book the other berth in the next stage from their group.
Muhammad Yahya led the way for Pakistanis in the game with 18 points, while Muhtad Ali Shah added 11 and Muhammad Anas had eight in the win. Harnoor Singh had 11 markers for the Indians.
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