JEDDAH, 21 March 2008 — Defending champions Al-Hilal open defense of their title against Al-Rayyan of Qatar at the start today of the 27th GCC Volleyball Championship for Clubs in Bahrain.
The event that runs through March 31 attracted six teams namely Al-Qadisia of Kuwait, Al-Rayyan, Al-Nasr of UAE, Sahar of Oman, Al-Hilal and hosts Al-Nasr of Bahrain.
The Hilal-Rayyan match is being touted as an early meeting between title favorite in the competition. Hilal won the cup three times while facing Rayyan.
Rayyan will have Majid Al-Jihani, on loan from Saudi Al-Ahli club, to strengthen their side, but Hilal are not bothered. The Riyadh-based club is banking on its local crew of Muneir Abu Al-Raha, Ahmed Al-Bakheit, Yassir Al-Makawni, Misfir Al-Bishi, Shareif Khalefah, Naif Al-Buhassoun, Khaleel Hijji, and Ibrahim Al-Harbi.
Next up for Hilal is the match against Qadisia on Monday to be followed by the game against Al-Nasr on Tuesday. After a rest day Wednesday they return to the floor against Sahar on Thursdayand Nasr next Friday.
Meanwhile, in the Saudi Volleyball League Al-Ahli got back on track after beating Al-Hilal 3-1 on Friday.
Fahad Al-Huraishi, Hilal volleyball team supervisor, said loss will not affect the players’ enthusiasm especially as they are coached by the new Ukrainian coach Victor. Al-Huraishi also said that Hilal honorary member Prince Khalid ibn Talal supported the team and president of the club Prince Mohammed ibn Faisal promised the athletes SR 20, 000 if they won.
