Japan, Iran take honours at AVC Continental Cup

 Kalasin, Thailand, May 14, 2016 – Iran powered past China to clinch the men’s team title as Japan had a scintillating win over Indonesia in the women’s showdown in the AVC Beach Volleyball Continental Cup semifinals in Kalasin on Saturday.

In the men’s showdown, Iran fielded the first team of the formidable Bahman Salemi/ Rahman Raoufi against China 1’s Li Jian/ Li Zhuoxin. After the Iranians took the first set with ease 21-10, the Chinese stormed back gallantly to win the second set 21-18. The decider was won by the Iranians, who came out with superb form to beat their rivals 15-10 for the 2-1 win.

The second rubber turned out to be the same as it ended 2-1 but in a different fashion. This time, The Iranian duo of Bahman Gholipoury/ Aadolhamed Mirzaali started poorly to go down 15-21 in the first set. They eventually found their touch to capture the remaining two sets 21-19, 17-15 to claim the match.

With the impressive 2-0 win, Iran reigned supreme in the men’s team event, with China in second place. However, both teams have qualified for the AVC Beach Volleyball Continental Cup Finals in Cairns, Australia, in June.

The third-place playoff earlier saw Oman beat hosts Thailand 2-0.

In the women’s final, Japan still proved that they are the strongest as they brushed off Indonesia 2-0 for the crown.

In the first match, Takemi Nishibori/ Sayaka Mizoe combined well to outclass Indonesians Dhita …

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