Iran, Qatar Win at Asian Qualifiers to Tie China with Two Victories

Asian Men’s World Qualifier

• August 10-14, 2017
• Rezazadeh Stadium
• Ardabil, Iran
• Pool A
• Schedule/Results

Pool A

Qatar def. Kazakhstan 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-18)

Iran def. China 3-0 (25-21, 29-27, 25-20)

China, Qatar and Iran are tied atop the standings after Saturday’s action in which the host Iranians took down the previously undefeated Chinese side.

Meanwhile, Qatar rebounded from Friday’s sweep by China to top Kazakhstan.

Qatar 3, Kazakhstan 0 

Qatar may have ended Kazakhstan’s hopes of earning a spot at the World Championships by issuing the team its second loss of the qualifier.

The Qatari side jumped ahead early with help from kills by Raimi Wadidi and tough serves from Ilija Ivovic and went on to a 25-21 Set 1 win. A stout block and more strong serves helped Qatar to wins of 25-17 and 25-18 and the sweep.

Iran 3, China 0 

The Iranians grabbed control early and went on to a 25-21 Set 1 win. Set 2 saw the Chinese rally to tie the score at 22-all late, but Milad Ebadipour came through to give Iran the 29-27 win. The teams were close early in Set 3, playing to a 7-all tie, but Iran seized a 16-12 lead and cruised to the 25-18 to hand China its first loss of the qualifying tournament.