Bangkok, Thailand, August 1, 2022 – Hosts Saudi Arabia captured their unprecedented title at the 1st West Asia Men’s U20 Volleyball Championship after pulling off exceptional straight-set victory against Bahrain in the thrilling final showdown at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Sports Hall in Dammam on Sunday.
In the highly-anticipated clash before a large number of spectators inside the competition site, Saudi Arabia, the only undefeated team in the 10-day championship, struggled to beat Bahrain in hard-fought three-set thriller 27-25, 25-18, 25-22 to eventually underline their supremacy over the inaugural competition with remarkable unbeaten record.
The aggressive confrontation in the final clash began with excitement that ignited one of the most-watched competitions between the two strong teams. Both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain similarly came up with hard attacks, effective blocks and well-placed serves which saw lead change hands for several times. However, the Saudi Arabians fared better at home stretch to clinch the hotly-contested opening set 27-25.
The second set turned out to be a more comfortable task for the host side. Making a confident start, Saudi Arabia gained control and once stayed in front with a 10-point clear. Bahrain struck back bravely, but their attempts were to no avail. The host team sealed the second set 25-18 to stretch the lead to 2-0.
Bahrian
Going down two straight sets, Bahrain gradually pulled their game together in the third set to surge ahead Saudi Arabia with a 5-point lead. However, the hosts’ greater determination proved too much for the visitors. Boosted by the cheering home crowd, Saudi Arabia counter-attacked well to get the lead back on track and went on their fine form to capture the well-fought set 25-22, match and the championship.
Iraq
In the third-place playoff clash earlier, Iraq survived a strong challenge from Lebanon to see off the tough oppositions in close battle 25-20, 25-12, 26-28, 20-25, 15-12. The Iraqis took home bronze medal, with Lebanon finishing in fourth place.
The 5th-6th playoff match saw Palestine brush off Kuwait in three straight sets 25-13, 28-26, 25-19. Palestine ended their campaign in 5th place, with Kuwait in 6th position.
The United Arab Emirates were placed 7th in the championship after comeback 3-2 (22-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-12, 19-17) victory against Syria, which returned with the 8th place overall.
Mr Ali Ghanem Al-Kuwari, President of the West Asia Volleyball Association (WAVA) and Qatar Volleyball Association, and Saudi Arabian Volleyball Federation President Dr Khaled Mansour Al-Zughaibi jointly presided to present the eventual winners Saudi Arabian team with the Champions’ Trophy and gold medal.
WAVA Secretary General Mr Mohammed Salem Al-Kuwari presented silver medal to second place Bahrain, while Palestine Volleyball Association President Mr Hamza Radi presented third place Iraq with bronze medal.
Mr Youssef Kano, Head of the Technical Committee, Mr Ismail Mahmoud, Rapporteur (WAVA) Referees Committee, Mr Elias Wahba, Rapporteur of the Referees Committee, and Mr Saad Al Yahyawi, Rapporteur of the Saudi Arabia Referees Committee, presented individual awards to the best players of the Championship.
FINAL RESULTS
FINAL STANDING
1. Saudi Arabia
2. Bahrain
3. Iraq
4. Lebanon
5. Palestine
6. Kuwait
7. UAE
8. Syria
9. Qatar
10. Jordan
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
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