JEDDAH, 11 May 2008—Al-Hilal won the away game 3-0, and the return match by 3-1 for a sweep of the home-and-away series with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Volleyball League in Riyadh on Thursday.
In one of three matches scheduled on the day, the 2007 GCC champions Hilal continued to stamp their authority thanks to their stars Ahmed Bakheit, Yassir Al-Makawni and Naif Al-Buhassoun. Though soundly beaten Ittihad gained some consolation in having Naif Rajab, a budding talent and future star.
In their home game, Hilal won the first set by 25-21. Ittihad recovered to take the second set at 25-16. However, Hilal were not to be denied when they pocketed the third 25-15 and the fourth stanzas 25- 23.
Al-Ahli also swept their series with Al-Khuwailidiah by identical scores of 3-0, a result replicated by Al-Nasr in yet another series sweep against Al-Salam.
Team meanwhile also repeated their triumph when they beat Al-Khuwailidiah in the away game 3-0, and defeated Al-Khuwailidiah again 3-0 in the same day in Jeddah.
Ahli lead the 10-team tournament with 32 points after winning all their previous 16 matches. Hilal are second with 30 points and one loss and Ittihad third with 26 points and two losses. Al-Khuwailidiah are fourth (20 points), Al-Nasr fifth (18 points), Al-Safa sixth (12 points), Al-Riyadh seventh (8 points), Al-Salam eighth (6 points), Al-Mouj ninth (4 points), and Al-Khaleej 10th place (2 points).
The winner in this tournament gets the chance to host in their respective cities the 28th GCC Volleyball Championship for Clubs. The league resumes on Wednesday with Al-Safa facing Al-Khaleej in the home game in the Eastern Province.
