Dubai: Russia were crowned the new champions after they powered their way to a 3-1 (26-24, 16-25, 25-18, 26-24) win over Turkey in the final of the FIVB Men’s U23 World Championship at the Al Nasr Club’s indoor hall late on Monday.
Bronze medal winners after defeating Bulgaria 3-1 at the inaugural edition of this age group competition held in Uberlandia in 2013, Russia were deserving winners against a gutsy Turkish side who were the surprise package of this championship after qualifying to the semi-finals at the cost of defending champions Brazil.
Ebrahim Abdul Malik, General Secretary, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW) was joined by Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, Saeed Hareb, General Secretary, Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Yousuf Al Mulla, President, UAE Volleyball Association (UAE VA) at the presentation of medals and trophies after the final.
Both teams were evenly poised at the beginning of the set with Russia taking in slender one-point cushions at both technical time-outs – 8-7 at the first and 16-15 at the second. But Turkey came right back as the set progressed as the reliable Metin Toy nicked away a couple of service points to help his team stay ahead 22-18.
But Russia refused to give up with Sergey Ershov and Egor Kliuka putting up a fantastic defence that eventually resulted in a complete turnaround with the European champions taking the opener 26-24.
In the second set, Turkey fought with their backs to the wall to battle their way right into the match as they led 17-13 and then 22-15 with skipper Burak Gungor doing the major damage with three service points. Russia came roaring back to win the third 25-18 after leading 16-9 at second technical time-out, to eventually wrap things up 26-24 in the final set for match and crown.
Final Result:
Russia x Turkey 3-1: 26-24, 16-25, 25-18, 26-24.
