Tehran, Iran, March 15, 2022 – Invincible Yazd Shahdab, powered by devastating Amin Esmaeilnezhad, underlined their dominance over the 2021-22 Iran Men’s Volleyball Super League after demolishing Tehran Paykan 2-0 in the best-of-three final including a hard-fought four-set victory in the highly-anticipated second match at the federation hall on Monday.
With seven Asian Club titles (2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) to their name, Tehran Paykan battled hard but could not cruise past the irresistible Yazd Shahdab, which made the Super League this season their debut title.
In their opening encounter on March 12, Yazd Shahdab overcame a strong challenge from Paykan to pull off an exciting three-set win in a high-octane game which saw the former seemingly go through the motion to beat the latter in the closely-contested match 25-22, 25-20, 30-28.
Taking a 1-0 advantage, Yazd Shahdab were still working as a well-oiled machine in the do-or-die second final match.
Making a confident start, Yazd Shahdab took command in the first set, thanks to their combination attacks and solid blocks. Paykan gradually pulled their game together, attempting to catch up with the opponent’s exceptional tactics. However, the formidable effort of Paykan did not pay off its dividends as the Shahdab intensified their defence, allowing the tough rivals attacking difficulties. Yazd Shahdab clinched the set 25-19.
Both sides were still locked in a tight contest in the second set which saw the scores tied at 12-12. Nevertheless, Tehran Paykan proved their class, with Pourya Fayazi and Pourya Yali penetrating the rivals’ defence with their powerful attacks. Still, Tehran Paykan regained their composure and hit back bravely. Their intention was fruitful when they set an early pace 16-12 and continued their dazzling form to foil the rivals’ attempts and win the nail-biting set 25-23.
After that, Yazd Shahdab were superior in every department for a blistering run of points in the third and fourth sets which they won 25-17, 25-18 for the dramatic 3-1 win in this match, the eventual 2-0 win in the best-of-three showdown and the prestigious title.
For their fantastic victory in the Super League, Yazd Shahdab took the Champions’ Trophy and gold medals for the first time in history. Tehran Paykan finished second, with Isfahan Sepahan and Sirjan Foulad Iranian jointly sharing third places to claim bronze medals.
Dr Mohammad Reza Davarzani, President of Islamic Republic of Iran Volleyball Federation, presided over the awards presentation and the closing ceremony. Also in attendance were Supreme Advisor of President Dr Vahid Moradi and IRIVF Secretary General Mr Milad Taghavi. Senior high officials of the clubs taking part in the Super League including club managers also joined the ceremony.
FINAL RANKING
1. Yazd Shahdab
2. Tehran Paykan
3. Isfahan Sepahan and Sirjan Foulad Iranian
5. Amol Labaniat-e Haraz, Urmia Shahrdari, Rafsanjan Mess and Gorgan Pass
9. Mariwan Rahyab Melal
10. Gonbad Shahrdari
11. Varamin Shahrdari
12. Ramsar Hoorsun
13. Tehran Saipa
14. Urmia Azar Battery
DREAM TEAM
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Amin Esmaeilnezhad (Yazd Shahdab)
BEST OUTSIDE SPIKERS
1. Pourya Fayazi (Tehran Paykan)
2. Mojtaba Mirzajanpour (Isfahan Sepahan)
BEST MIDDLE BLOCKERS
1. Reza Abedini (Yazd Shahdab)
2. Mahdi Jelveh Ghaziani (Sirjan Foulad Iranian)
BEST OPPOSITE SPIKER
Amin Esmaeilnezhad (Yazd Shahdab)
BEST SETTER
Mohammad Taher Vadi (Tehran Paykan)
BEST LIBERO
Mohammad Reza Hazratpour (Tehran Paykan)
Related links of AVC
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click www.Facebook.com/AsianVolleyballConfederation
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation