India quells Pak challenge

Visakhapatnam, Aug 7 (UNI) Indians quelled the Pakistani challenge in a nail biting finish in the first of the five-test Volleyball series at the Rajiv Gandhi Port Trust Indoor Stadium here today.

India trailing 2-1 at one stage, won by 25-16, 23-25, 15-25, 25-18, 15-13 in a 105-minute tussle.

Thanks to a superb display by Sanjay Kumar, attackers Srikant, Guruchand Singh and blockers Sube Singh and Pradeep, India's victory became possible. The hosts rose to the occasion with their reception and the height of the players was an advantage, compared to the Pakistanis.

After trailing in the first set, Pakistan brought in experienced Irfan Nawaz, counter attacker Sanaulla Khan and centre blocker Mohaib Rasool in the second set and restored parity. The visitors, enthused by the success, played with renewed vigour and surged ahead by winning the third set.

Trailing 1-2, India gained ascendancy in the fourth set when Sanjay, Srikanth, Kapil Dev and libero Sivarajan put up impressive performances to gain an early lead. Stung by the reverse, the resurgent Pakistan team levelled the set at 14-all. The Indians, however, realising the gravity of the situation, improved their services and Pradeep came out with flying colours and restored parity at 25-18.

It was a sea-saw battle in the decider. Pakistan's reception suddenly paled into insignificance and they lost their control over the ball time and again. They, however, narrowed the gap at 13-11, but failed to capitalise on India's mistakes when the situation warranted.

UNI