QATAR SET UP SEMI-FINAL CLASH WITH JAPAN AFTER 3-0 DEMOLITION OF KOREA AT 6TH AVC CUP FOR MEN

Taipei, Chinese Taipei, August 11, 2018 – Undefeated Qatar headed to semi-finals after thrashing Korea 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-22) on day 4 of the 6th AVC Cup for Men at the University of Taipei (Tianmu) Gymnasium on Saturday.

The beginning set saw both sides come up with great defense to level at 7-7 before Qatar’s height advantage in blocking forced the Koreans to make more mistakes and go down the first set 25-19.

The second set turned out to be a similar script as the Qataris remained in awesome form, holding the Koreans off with their solid blocks to win a comfortable set 25-14.

Trailing with just two points behind at 6-8, Korea fought hard for a comeback in the third set. Narrowing to one-point margin at 22-23, Korea called a timeout to set blocking tactics against Qatar. However, Qatar rejected to be chased and won the set with three straight points.

Qatar won this crucial match and will next go up against Japan in the semi-finals after two-day rest.

“We did a great job today. We performed excellently and felt better and better day by day. We need to do more research and pay more effort to win next game,” said Qatar head coach Soto Camilo.

Renan Ribeiro and Mohamed Ibrahim both chipped in with 12 points apiece for Qatar, while Kuk-min Han was the only Korean, who scored double digits of a match-high 16 points

.