Following two dramatic semifinals at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup held on Monday in Manama, Pakistan is set to challenge host nation Bahrain for the gold medal. The final match is scheduled for Tuesday, starting at 19:00 local time (16:00 UTC).
In a compelling performance, Pakistan secured a decisive straight-sets victory over last year`s champions, Qatar, effectively dethroning them. Meanwhile, the home team, Bahrain, overcame a tough challenge from Korea, persevering through a thrilling five-set battle.
Semifinal Recaps
In the first semifinal on Monday, a rematch of last year’s AVC Challenge Cup final, Pakistan avenged their previous loss to Qatar with a convincing 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) sweep. Outside hitter Usman Faryad Ali was the top performer for Pakistan, scoring 18 points, which included one block. Team captain Murad Jehan, also an outside hitter, contributed another 16 points through attacks. For Qatar, Raimi Wadidie led the scoring with 14 points, while opposite Youssef Oughlaf added 11.
The second semifinal featured a spectacular five-set contest. Korea fought back after being two sets down against Bahrain but couldn`t complete the comeback, as the home side clinched the tie-breaker for a 3-2 (25-21, 25-23, 21-25, 18-25, 15-13) victory. Bahrain’s outside hitter Mohamed Abdulla Yaqoob was the match`s highest scorer with 19 points, including three aces and two blocks. Opposite Ali Khamis Ebrahim and outside hitter and captain Naser Anan chipped in with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Middle blockers Hasan Warqaa Ali and Mohamed Abdulla also reached double figures with 10 points each. Korea`s offense was led by opposite Hojin Shin with 18 points, supported by outside hitters Jihan Kim (17 points) and Subong Heo (16 points).
Upcoming Matches
Before the gold medal final between Pakistan and Bahrain on Tuesday, Qatar and Korea will compete for the bronze medal at 15:00 local time (12:00 UTC). Earlier in the day, at 12:00 local time (09:00 UTC), the Philippines and New Zealand will play for 10th place.
Placement Matches (5th-9th)
The matches for places fifth through ninth were decided on the preceding days. On Monday, Australia secured fifth place by defeating Indonesia 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-22). Chinese Taipei claimed seventh place with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-22) win over Vietnam. Thailand finished ninth in the tournament on Sunday, securing a second straight-set victory in their three-way playoff, this time defeating New Zealand 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 27-25).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick