Defending champion Iran downed Australia 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 18-25, 25-16) and took the second win on the second day of 6th Asian Men’s Volleyball Cup at the University of Taipei Gymnasium in Taiwan on Thursday.
Both sides relied on their powerful spikes from the beginning as the score rose from 8-7 at the first technical timeout to 14-16 in favor of Iran at the second. Australia continued to mount pressure by pushing the score to 18-19, but it failed to last long. With 3 points in a row, Iranians established a safe 22-18 lead and smoothly reached a 25-20 set win, Asianvolleyball.net reported.
The second set went in similar fashion as Australia chased closely until 22-22 tie. A timeout called by Iran wrecked the Australian effort. Winning straight three points, Iran ended the second set 25-22.
In the third set, Australia solved its problem in service and scored effectively in the beginning. With many nice plays, the Aussies got their first winning set 25-18.
Though Australia had many great plays in offense and defense in the fourth set, its service problem resumed and stopped the team having a comeback. Iran took the set 25-16.
Pouria Yali chipped in with 17 points for Iran including 16 kills from 32 attempts, while Curtis Stockton scored match-high 21 points including 18 kills and 2 blocks as well as 1 service ace.
With two victories from two games, Iran tops Pool B. Iranian volleyball players beat the host Taiwan 3-1 in its first match of the group.
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