Abu Dhabi: Geo Electricals from Sharjah staved off a fightback from Dubai Duty Free to score a 3-2 win as the 13th edition of the Jimmy George Volleyball Championship for the UAE Exchange Centre Trophy began at the Kerala Social Centre courts here on Wednesday night.
Geo, a new entrant to this popular Ramadan event, won 29-27, 27-25, 23-25, 17-25 and 15-10.
The fans at the packed KSC courts were treated to some riveting stuff as international stars from both sides revealed their class with some spectacular spiking and smashing.
The first two sets were hotly-contested but the Sharjah side managed to win 29-27 and 27-25. However DDF, who play regularly in the league here, snatched the third set at 25-23 and also won the fourth 25-17 to take the match to the decider.
Geo Electricals got their act together in the final set to win 15-10 and virtually assure them of a last four berth.
Earlier the championship was inaugurated by Binay R Shetty, Director of New Medical Centre, with KSC officials K.B. Murali and Beeran Kutty along with representatives of other sponsors also being present.
Today's matches: Ahalia Exchange vs Dubai Duty Free, 9.30 pm.
