by chukcha2002 » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:04 pm
Volleyball – Lebanon brush aside plucky Mongolia 3–1
[img]http://www.doha-2006.com/upload_iis/Images/50910247[1]-generic-360-x-2(2).jpg[/img]
Lebanon beat a tenacious but essentially outclassed Mongolia three sets to one at the first indoor volleyball match of the Asian Games Doha 2006. Lebanon dominated the game early on, winning the first set 25–16. But Mongolia refused to be intimated and stormed back with a 23–25 second set win. Jolted, the Lebanese replied with a blistering 25–11 in the third set and went on to take the match after a 26–16 final set
Set one – The decibels rose at Al-Rayyan Indoor Hall on Sunday, 26 November as Lebanon played against Mongolia in the first set of the first indoor volleyball games at the 15th Asian Games campaign with the Lebanese winning 25 16. The result was largely due to eight unforced errors by the Mongolian defence and from precise spikes by Lebanese No 1 Alain Saade and No 6 Nader Fares.
Mongolia remained enthusiastic, celebrating every point with raucous passion, led by Tamir Renchin. The pattern for the set was established early as Lebanon went ahead two points at the start of the set with a convincing slam from Nader Fares and for the rest of the set Lebanon led in a convincing manner.
Mongolia, however, refused to be intimidated and stayed within reach of a turnover throughout the game. But an accidental foul by Mogolia gave Lebanon a five point lead at about the 10th minute of the first set and Lebanon began to lead the game from that stage. By the fourth timeout Lebanon were leading 20–14, but after the break the Mongolians came back in fine form and quickly recovered two points.
Coming down to the wire, Lebanon refocused and took the next two points with some superb blocking from Nader Fares. A flurry of scores by the Lebanese ended the set at 25–16.
Set two – The second set was much tighter affair as both teams failed to capitalise on their opponent's errors, mainly through serves failing to clear the net. Mongolia finally prevailed 23–25, thanks to better attacking plays from No 8 G. Bayarbaatar, the captain, and No 14 Sainbileg Erdenebileg. Mongolia benefited from additional vocal support from the watching Macau, China team.
Lebanon’s No 1 Alain Saade still remains a threatening presence on the court, while team captain, No 5 Marwan Hosri, is behind most of the successful Lebanese attacks, setting with precision.
Set three – Clearly rattled at their second set loss, Lebanon appeared to up their game in the third set and used their physical advantage to race into an early 7–2 lead. The Lebanese remained fully focused, attacking with purpose, through more powerful spikes by Alain Saade, while spurning Mongolia’s attacks with superb blocking at the net.
Mongolia never recovered from their early deficit and couldn’t match Lebanon’s winning spike total, which has risen to 41 points for the match, along with eight points from winning blocks. A third set score of 25–11 to Lebanon summed up their superiority, and they will now look to wrap the match up in the fourth set.
Set four – Despite brave resistance, Mongolia found it hard to defend against Lebanon’s stronger attack and lost the 4th set 25–16. Lebanon continued to dominate in all areas, with No 4 Chady Bou Farhat proving strong at the net, especially with defensive blocks; while No 5 Marwan Hosri continued to dictate attacks by setting up plays from various angles.
Lebanon will now face Bahrain in their second pool A game at 18:00 tomorrow, while Mongolia take on Bahrain at 18:00 on Tuesday, desperately needing a victory to have any chance of progressing further.