RAAJIV TRIPATHI

DOHA

AL ARABI Sports Club maintained its intensity and focus to finish the last Premier League Volleyball match against Al Rayyan Sports Club on a winning note at its own court on Wednesday.

Arabi wrapped up the league engagements with 26-24 23-25 25- 16 25-19 scoreline.

Having already clinched the 23rd league title last week, Arabi played only for pride while its rival had second place at stake.

If Rayyan had won the match, it would have overtaken Police in the second place.

But under pressure, Rayyan failed to come up with a balanced performance and lost in four sets, settling for the third place.

Both Arabi professionals Christian Pampel and Renan Ribiero produced power-packed spikes from the sides and middle.

They played their part in blocks as well, along with Ibrahim Mohammed and Juma Faraz.

Fed by Arabi’s experienced setter Syed Jumah, libero Hisham Hammadi and Mohammed Faisal shared the play-making responsibility commendably.

Rayyan could not match the Arabi’s variety in attack.

It did manage to win a set with Carlos leading the challenge.

Despite levelling the scores 1-1 and getting opportunities in crucial stages, its players made too many mistakes and allowed Arabi spikers to hit freely.

Ramon, the other professional of Rayyan, came late into the match and remained mostly ineffective.

Coach Arbutina also admitted that Rayyan had its chances but its players felt the pressure and could not find a solution to Arabi’s strong display.

“Yeah, it’s true that we made too many mistakes under pressure.

We did not play well in the first half of the league.

We improved a lot in the second half but the damage was already done.

Now we’ve two more events to play for – the Heir Apparent Cup and the Emir Cup.

There are three teams, who will be trying to win them.

We’re also among them.

We’ll try to put up a better show and win them,” added Arbutina.

Arabi coach Adel was pleased with his team’s victory in the last match.

“My players were focussed and determined to end the league with a victory despite knowing that we’ve already become the champion.

“We’re trying to make a couple of changes in the team for the upcoming other two major events.

We will be announcing the changes soon.

Our aim is to win every title this season,” said Adel.

Arabi playmaker Syed Juma congratulated the entire team and urged the players to maintain their focus.

“We’re happy to win the league.

But the job has not yet been done fully.

The Heir Apparent Cup and the Emir Cup are our next targets.” Pampel and Ribiero were also delighted with the first title of the season.

“There was no pressure on us having won the title earlier.

Rayyan was feeling the heat.

It was a good match and luckily, we finished it in four sets.” Ribiero commented, “We worked hard for the win and we did it.

I’m enjoying playing in Qatar.

We’ve two more big events.

We hope to emerge victorious in them as well.” Qatar Volleyball Association President Khalid Ali al Mawlawi, QVA Secretary General Faraj Muftah al Abdulla, QVA Treasurer Yousef Kanu were present during the prize distribution ceremony.