Kyrgyzstan enter semi-final

LALITPUR, Aug 20 .

Kyrgyzstan entered into the semi-final of the AVC Asian Senior Men’s Central Zone Volleyball Championship as Group ‘A’ winners after straight sets win over Maldives at the Army Physical Training and Sports Centre in Lagankhel, Lalitpur, on Tuesday.

Kyrgyzstan, who had overcome hosts Nepal in similar fashion on Monday, eased past Maldives 25-15, 26-24, 25-19 to top the group with six points. Kyrgyzstan had overcome Nepal 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 in their opening match of three-team group. The winners between Nepal and Maldives, scheduled for Wednesday, will make to the semi-final as the group runners up.

In Group ‘B’ match Uzbekistan stunned defending champions Turkmenistan in straight sets to register second win in a row and strengthen their semi-final bid. Uzbekistan earned 25-18, 25-21, 25-15 win over Turkmenistan in the four-team group. Uzbekistan had defeated Bangladesh in straight sets on Monday while Turkmenistan had got the better of Afghanistan in four sets.

In another Group ‘B’ match, Afghanistan toiled hard to beat Bangladesh in 3-2 sets and ignite their semi-final hopes while the latter faced second defeat from as many matches. The entertaining match saw Afghanistan register 25-21, 19-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-12 win over the South Asian opponents.

The outcome meant, Uzbekistan lead the Group ‘B’ standings with six points after two matches while Turkmenistan, who have won one, are behind them with three points. Afghanistan are third with two points and Bangladesh are at the bottom of table with one point.

Uzbekistan will vie against Afghanistan and Turkmenistan will lock horn against Bangladesh in Group ‘B’ matches on Wednesday while Maldives and host Nepal are set to play in Group ‘A’ match.