The Iranian team was too powerful for its Russian visitors
Tehran, Iran, July 3, 2015 – Iran achieved a speedy win in the first leg of their home double-header against Russia. The fans on the stands of the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran were ecstatic to see their favourites deal another defeat for the prominent opponent, by 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21), to stay within reach of a place in the Final Six. Shahram Mahmoudi was the best scorer of the game with 16 points for the winning side.
The completely packed stands at the hall were once more a great source of inspiration for the valiant home team and the Iranians quickly took control of the game. The Russians were able to catch up only for a moment in the first set, at 10-10, but Iran broke away again to finish the set at 25-21. The second set followed pretty much the same story line. Russia recovered from an early Iranian lead to tie at 12-12, but this was all Aleksandr Klimkin’s players’ efforts were good for. The home side established another lead, reached set point at 24-19 and Milad Ebadipour Ghara’s successful spike finished off the set at 25-21. The Russians started stronger in the third set maintaining a slight edge in the score until some powerful hits by Mahmoudi once again put Iran in the driving seat with a 13-11 advantage. The European side never recovered and the Asian team put an end to it all with class. Mohammadhassan Senobar, who subbed in at match point, scored an ace to seal another 25-21 Iran’s way, and the straight-set victory was a done deal.
In the break between sets 2 and 3, an awarding ceremony for the medal winners of Iran’s domestic volleyball league was held.
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