Terrific performance puts Ahli back on top of table

MANAMA, 12 February — Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia turned on the style with a terrific performance that put them right back on top of the table in the 21st GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship, organized by Muharraq Club after beating Al Arabi 3-0 (25-12, 25-20, 25-18) in a one-hour match yesterday at the Juffair Youth Center.

It was a one-sided affair as Al Ahli dominated most of the proceedings, punishing some hesitant defending by their rivals.

Majid Al Juhani, the best spiker of Al Ahli, and Qatari import Mubarak Eid turned in pivotal displays for their side to thwart any serious efforts by Al Arabi. They took the first set easily, winning it at 25-13.

Al Arabi, who had won their opening match against Kazma of Kuwait, found their touch in the second set to really stretch Al Ahli. Impressive performance from Saeed Aman, Saeed Jumaa, Nasser Mehanna and Ismail Jumaa, in a super display of teamwork, gave some tough moments to their rivals in this set.

However, the Saudis proved too hot for the Qataris as they made the most of their experience. Their playmaker, veteran player Abdo Yami, came up trumps in this set when it needed most by supplying his players with some superb balls and the Al Ahli spikers wasted no chance to deny the Qataris a whiff of a win in this set. They racked up a 25-20 victory in the second set.

Down by two sets, the Qatari team were totally disorganized in the third. The Saudi team cashed in on this lack of concentration by the Qatari club, and exposed their opponents limitations with some fine scoring from every angle and all possible chances to clinch the set and the match at 25-18.

In other matches, hosts and seven-time champions, Muharraq, extended their winning streak by beating Suhar of Oman 3-1, while first round losing sides Kazma and Al Jazeera fought it out in the other matchup of the day, Kazma winning the battle with a 3-0 victory.