The Qatari men’s volleyball team, Al-Arabi Doha, was victorious against the African representatives, Al-Ahly of Egypt, in the first day of the Doha Volleyball Club World Championships.
Captain Said Al-Jumani said:
“My best regards to the many fans that supported us tonight since most of them were not Qataris, but residents in this emirate. It was an additional boost for us and we felt as though we had wings on our feet. We played a good match and the many substitutions were also a good trick to keep up the level of our game and stay tuned into the game.”
The hosts beat the visitors in four sets (25-17, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20) at the Al-Gharafa sports hall. The top scorer was German Christian Pampel, a veteran of the Italian national league, with 25 points.
Table of Contents
The Teams
The Men’s Championship is made up of eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Al Arabi (Qatar), the African champion Al Ahli (Egypt), the Asian champion Paykan Tehran (Iran), PGE Skra Bełchatów (Poland). Group B includes the title holder Trentino Volley (Italy), Bolivar (Argentina), St. Mitchell (USA), and Dinamo Moscow.
Six teams, divided into two groups, will be competing for the Women’s Championship title. Group A includes Federbrau (Thailand), Fenerbahçe (Turkey), and Solly (Brazil). Group B includes Prisons (Kenya), Bergamo (Italy), and Merado (Dominican Republic). Two teams will qualify from each group in the first stage to the semi-finals. The two winning teams will reach the finals.
Results Day 1
- Mirador (Dominican Republic) beat Prisons (Kenya) (25-20, 25-11, 25-17)
- Drean Bolivar (Argentina) beat St Mitchell (USA) (23-25, 27-25, 25-19, 25-21)
- Sollys Osasco (Brazil) beat Federbrau (Thailand) (25-15, 26-24, 30-28)
Matches will continue to be played until 21st December 2010. The FIVB – DOHA 2010 organizing committee has dedicated US$1.3 million in prize money for the Men’s Championship and US$550,000 for the Women’s.