TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Host Iran defeated China in straight units on Friday within the semifinal of the 2023 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, reserving its place in Saturday’s ultimate showdown in opposition to Japan.
Iran gained with the scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-23 at a greater than fully-packed 6,000-seat Ghadir stadium within the northwestern metropolis of Urmia.
Earlier within the day, Japan beat Qatar 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-14, 28-26) in one other semifinal duel.
China and Qatar will sq. off within the third place playoff on Saturday.
En path to the semifinals, Iran powered previous China’s Hong Kong, Iraq and Pakistan, and China beat Indonesia, Kazakhstan and India.
Iran will attempt to defend its 2021 championship title in a Herculean activity in opposition to the bronze medalists of the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Nations League.
After the semifinal recreation, Iran’s head coach Behrouz Ataei mentioned that though Japan put in an excellent efficiency within the Nations League, his males are decided to assert the title.
Ataei admitted that his facet was troubled by China within the second and third units.
China head coach Hou Chundi mentioned Iran performed an excellent recreation and “we did well too.”
Commenting on his upcoming match in opposition to Qatar, Hou mentioned, “They are a strong team, but we will do our best.”