India beat Aussies in straight sets

Continuing their fine form, India beat Australia in straight sets to storm into the quarterfinals of the under-19 World Junior Volleyball Championship at Suphanbur in Thailand today, according to information received by Volleyball Federation of India (VFI). After topping pool C, the Indians were in top form today as they trounced the Aussies – the pool A topper – 25-17, 25-17, 25-14 in a little over an hour’s time to enter the quarterfinals.

In the play off seeding round, the Indians enjoyed overall superiority over their rivals – in both the defence and attack. After taking the first set rather easily, the Indians were given a flying start in the second – with the duo of Sanjay Kumar and Srikant P Satya leading the powerful attacks. The Australians tried to launch a counterattack and even managed to narrow the scoreline and were 6:10 but the Indian think-tank consolidated the lead through the reliable Rathish, who indulged in couple of breath-taking moves of fast play. The tactics set the Indians on course and they managed to clinch the set.

Rathish and Sanjay Kumar were brilliant in the final set with their blocking and it was a matter of time before the Indians had wrapped up the final set, and the match.

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In the second seeding group match, Russia humbled Iran 25-23, 25-23, 25-16 in 71 minutes. Despite the defeat, both Australia and Iran also reached the quarter-finals.

Puerto Rico, Czechoslovakia, reigning champions Brazil and hosts Thailand qualified for the last eight from the elimination group. After a draw of lots, the quarter-final matches would be played on July 11.