Power Pinoys tackle tough Qataris in quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines — Given three days to regroup, the Philippines’ PLDT HOME TVolution Power Pinoys seek a king-size upset when they clash with Qatar’s Al-Rayyan Monday in the quarterfinals of the 2014 Asian Mens Volleyball Club Championship at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Power Pinoys wound up second in Pool A and were drawn with the Qataris, last year’s losing finalist, who completed a four-game sweep of Pool B to reach the knockout phase.

“As always, our team promises to fight,” said Power Pinoys coach Francis Vicente.

The Power Pinoys enjoyed a three-day break after their straight-set loss to Iraq’s South Gas Sports Club, a match where skipper Christian Fernandez believes they could have played with a more defensive sense.

Blocking and reception remain key to the Power Pinoys’ success and against Al-Rayyan, they would have to be at their best with the Qataris bannered by Italian star Cristian Savani.

The Power Pinoys’ Australian import, Cedric Legrand, hopes to bounce back from a so-so performance against the Iraqis who held him to just seven hits after piling up 18  in the win against Mongolia.

The hosts are also pinning their hopes on their other Aussie import William Lewis and ace hitter Alnakran Abdilla who led the Power Pinoys with 11 points against Iraq.

The winner of the PH-Qatar tiff will take on the survivor of the 6 p.m. duel pitting China’s Baic Motor and Lebanon’s Al-Zahra.

In the classification matches for ninth to 16th spot, Vietnam overcame Mongolia, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23, to move closer to ninth spot.