Ardabil, Iran, May 1, 2017 – Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Japan, and hosts Iran overcame their respective rivals to register their first wins at the SMM 2nd Asian Men’s U23 Volleyball Championship at Rezazadeh Stadium on Monday, with Malaysia pulling off a stunning 3-1 win over Australia.
The nine-day tournament serves as the Asian qualification round, where only the top two out of 11 participating teams will make the cut for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U23 World Championship in Egypt from August 18 to 26.
Kazakhstan survived a scare against Uzbekistan to win a five-set 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 25-16, 22-25, 16-14) comeback victory over Uzbekistan. Gurin Kirill led Kazakhstan with 27 points, while Sobirov Islomjon top-scored with 16 points for Uzbekistan.
Malaysia came from behind to beat Australia in dramatic four sets 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22) in their Pool C encounter.
Japan defeated Sri Lanka in straight sets 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-13).
Iran, led by ace spiker Amin Esmaeilnejad, who scored a match-high 17 points, pulled off a stunning straight-set 3-0 (25-12, 29-27, 28-26) victory over Pakistan in their Pool A clash at Rezazadeh Hall in front of over 8000 fans.
Monday's resultsKazakhstan b Uzbekistan 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 25-16, 22-25, 16-14)
Malaysia b Australia 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22)
Japan b Sri Lanka 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-13)
Iran b Pakistan 3-0 (25-12, 29-27, 28-26)
Match ScheduleMay 2, 2017
Thailand v Japan
Chinese Taipei v Uzbekistan
China v Malaysia
Related article:Reigning champs Iran delight home fans at Asian Men's U23 Championship