JEDDAH, 14 January 2005 — Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal beat Al-Rayan of Qatar in three straight sets to advance into the semifinals in the Arab Volleyball Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
With the win, Hilal advanced as the top qualifier from Group A on sets average after ending up tied on four points with eventual second qualifier Al-Rayan. Both teams had two wins and one loss. The group also includes Al-Najma of Bahrain and Brusik of Iraq.
In Group B, hosts Al-Ahli of Egypt, advanced as first of Group B with six points from three matches. Al-Arabi of Qatar progressed to the next round as second of Group B with four points from two wins and one loss. Al-Zamalik of Egypt and Muteen of Iraq were eliminated.
In the crossover semifinal matches today Hilal of Saudi, first of Group A, battle Al-Arabi of Qatar, second of Group B, while Al-Ahli of Egypt, first of Group A, play Al-Rayyan of Qatar, second of Group A.
