Pakistan finish tenth in Asian volleyball

KARACHI: Pakistan finished at the tenth spot as they lost to Kazakhstan 0-3 in their battle for the ninth place of the Asian Men’s Seniors Volleyball championship at Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on Friday night.
After beating Bahrain 3-2 in the 9-12 spot semi-final, it was expected that Pakistan would give tough fight to Kazakhs. But the central Asian team, who had beaten India 3-1 in the 9-12 spot semi-final, played with great authority. The set scores were 25-2, 25-19 and 25-22 in Kazakhs’ favour.
India, on the other hand, ended at the 12th place after edging Bahrain 3-2 in a grueling fight.
The set scores were 18-25, 25-23, 25-13, 18-25 and 15-13.
In the semi-final stage, Iran staged a strong comeback to beat China 3-2. After losing the first two sets 21-25, 20-25, Iran managed to win the next three sets 25-9, 25-19 and 16-14 to ensure their place in the decider.
Japan eased past Qatar 3-1 in the other semi-final. After losing the first set 22-25, Japan brought discipline in their ranks, sweeping the remaining three sets 25-23, 25-17 and 25-23 to record a comfortable victory.
China defeated Qatar 3-2 to end third. The set scores were 25-23, 25-19, 21-25, 24-26, 15-9.
Australia defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 to finish at the fifth spot. The set scores remained 32-30, 25-15, 21-25, 25-22. South Korea edged Thailand 3-0 to end seventh. The set scores were 25-22, 25-18, 25-22.