MANILA, Philippines, June 4 ------ Alas Pilipinas went down swinging in its 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) medal quest, dropping its second straight close game as host nation Bahrain debuted with a 25-18, 25-23, 25-20 win at Isa Town. Although only ranked No. 65 in the world behind No. 61 Philippines, Bahrain is enjoying a men’s volleyball program breakthrough streak as the reigning AVC Challenge Cup silver medalist and will go for gold on home soil.
The likes of Jau Umandal (9 points), Marck Espejo (8 points) and Kim Malabunga (8 points) were ultimately unable to capitalize on Alas’ second-set momentum as Bahrain capitalized in the third and final frame to immediately clinch a knockout quarterfinal berth in just its first game. The Philippines, meanwhile, now heads to the classification phase of the tournament on Wednesday, June 5 (may start on Thursday, June 6, 12 am, Manila time) against either Qatar or Indonesia of Pool C.
Current Pool A leader and world No. 31 China is also moving on to the cross-pool quarterfinal due to Bahrain’s win and after its own 25-19, 25-22, 25-22 squeaker over the Philippines. China next battles the host nation for the top seed.
Source: rappler.com
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