India beat Latvia 3-0 in volleyball; keep semis hopes alive in MWG

Hyderabad, Oct 16 (UNI) India scored a morale-boosting straight set victory over Latvia to keep their hopes of a semi-final berth alive in the men's volleyball competition of the 4th Military World Games here today.

The hosts were in their elements today after the setback against China yesterday and came out 25-17, 25-19, 25-16 victorious against the East Europeans in a Group B league match at KVBR Stadium at Yousufguda.

Needing to win to stay afloat in the tournament, the Indians dictated terms on their opponents who were always playing a chasing game and the 3-0 verdict was a correct reflection of the hosts' domination.

Latvia are now out of the competition after having two losses from as many matches. And India's last group match against Brazil would decide who would go to the semi-finals after formidable China beat Brazil 3-0 in another Group B match.

Brazil yesterday defeated Latvia while India had lost to last Games' runners-up China.

In Group A, last Games' bronze medalists and reigning military World Champions South Korea will take on the Netherlands today while Qatar will square up with Canada.

South Korea, Yesterday, had beaten Qatar 3-1 while the Netherlands downed Canada by an identical margin.

Two top teams from Group A and B would make it to the semi-finals.

UNI