In the ongoing 22nd Asian Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship held in Iran, Qatar and China have clinched the last two coveted spots in the semifinals. This comes after Japan and the hosts, Iran, already made their mark by advancing directly post the eightfinals.
Japan, currently holding the record with nine titles and sitting as the top Asian team in the FIVB rankings at fifth place, will face a charged Qatar team in the semifinals. In another anticipated clash, Iran will square off against China. Before the start of the championship, Japan and Iran were touted as the top favorites, while Qatar and China were viewed as potential underdogs aiming for the grand finale.
Qatar’s path to the semifinals was marked by a commendable victory against Chinese Taipei, with a scoreline of 25-16, 25-15, 25-23. The Qatari team showcased stellar defense and teamwork, particularly impressing in their attacks against Chinese Taipei’s solid blocks. Key player Oughlaf Youssef contributed significantly with 13 points.
China, on the other hand, secured their semifinal spot by besting Korea 3-1, with set scores of 21-25, 25-22, 28-26, and 25-18.
Both Japan and Iran have illustrious histories in the championship, with Japan leading with nine titles, followed by South Korea and Iran, each with four titles. In the FIVB ranking, Iran is positioned at the 10th spot.
As the competition intensifies, Chinese Taipei will take on Korea in the 5th-6th playoff while fans keenly await the faceoff between Qatar and Japan and China against Iran in the semifinals this Friday.
