Filipinos yield to Iraqis anew Asian club volley

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ valiant effort against a tall and power-hitting Iraq team fell short again Tuesday as the PLDT Home TVolution Power Pinoys dropped to a battle for seventh spot in the 2014 Asian Men’s Volleyball Club Championship at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In another cold reality check on the high level of competition in the continental tournament, the Power Pinoys bowed to South Gas Sports Club, 17-25, 21-25, 21-25, in their classification battle.

The straight-sets loss somewhat failed to characterize the fight shown by the Filipinos.

“We had many lapses defensively,” said Power Pinoys coach Francis Vicente.

Qatar’s Al-Rayyan, with imports Cristian Savani and Cala Gerardo combining for 30 hits, clinched the first finals seat with a swift and merciless 25-22, 25-22, 25-19 win over Kondensat of Kazakhstan.

Iran’s Matin Varamin will face Qatar in the finals at 4 p.m. Wednesday after overwhelming China’s Baic Motor, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20.

The Power Pinoys groped for form at the start of each set while the Iraqis found a response each time the hosts rallied near the end to claim a repeat victory following their triumph in Pool A play last Thursday.

The victory also propelled Iraq to a clash for fifth place with Taipei City, which subdued Lebanon’ s Al-Zahra, 25-12, 25-23, 25-17.

The Power Pinoys, who bowed to Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the quarterfinals, will meet Lebanon in the seventh-place playoff at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Bulgarian import Metodi Ananiev tormented the Filipinos anew with a 19-point performance from a 15-of-29 attacking clip while Mustafa Gani Hussein chipped in 11.

Power Pinoys import Cedric Legrand finished with 13.