Iran and Poland stay unbeaten, move to top of table

Tokyo, Japan, May 29, 2016 – Iran and Poland’s brilliant five-set comebacks brought them first and second at the ranking table, while Australia and China broke into the win-column on the second day of the Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sunday.

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Iran bt Canada 3-2 (27-29, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 16-14)Australia bt Venezuela 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-10, 25-19)Poland bt France 3-2 (22-25, 13-25, 31-29, 25-17, 15-12)China bt Japan 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-23)

Iran made an incredible comeback in the match as they overcame their losses in the first two sets. Iran defeated Canada 3-2 (27-29, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 16-14) to maintain a 2-0 win-record in the tournament. Canada are still seeking for a victory, but they have earned two points from playing two tough five-setters. Iran edged Canada in attacks 70-66, but their rivals edged them in blocks 11-9. However, Iran benefitted from two straight blocks to complete their comeback in the final set. Milad Ebadipour top scored for Iran with 26 points, while Gavin Schmitt led the Canadian offensive with 27 markers.

Australia defeated Venezuela 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-10, 25-19) to offset their loss on the first day. Venezuela started strong but fell apart in the succeeding sets as the Australians enhanced their defence on Venezuelan top scorer Kevin Martin Pinerua. Pinerua scored well in the first set but Australia were able to neutralised his offence in the succeeding sets. Australia, on the other hand, regained their focus and executed their plays well. After not getting much playing time in the first match, Thomas Edgar started and delivered 22 points to lead the Australian offence. Pinerua scored 19 points for the losing side.

Dawid Konarski’s entry as a starter in the third set brought wonders to the Polish offence as he scored crucial points in their thrilling 31-29 set victory. France …

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