In one of the most tense days so far in the volleyball event at the fourth edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament 2018 (AWST),Oman’s Sahar Club won a desperately close-fought match against Kuwait’s Al Fatat with a score of 3-1, although the difference over all four games was just five points.Sahar proved just a little too much for the Kuwaitis to handle in the first game, winning 25-22 but the scores were levelled in the second as Al Fatat answered the call with a vengeance – and a more convincing 25-18 margin.To their credit, instead of lowering their spirits Sahar lifted their game as they eased past the Kuwait club with a score of 25-18.The fourth game was a last gasp for Al Fatat who would have to win to stay in contention and a prime opportunity for the Omanis to put the match away. Despite a performance that would have beaten plenty of teams, the Kuwaitis were pipped at the post as Sahar took the final game, breathed a sigh of relief and celebrated the 26-24 win.While they will certainly feel dejected, Al Fatat can certainly hold their heads high.In the second match of the day, the UAE’s Al Wasl took on Morocco’s El Difaa Al Hassani in what proved to be a mouth-watering tie.
Al Wasl had no easy ride in the first game, but their serve was too much for the Moroccans whose defence showed a few weaknesses as they went down by 25-20.The second game was almost a mirror image of the first as El Difaa Al Hassani were given room to show their own attacking flair and went on to win 25-18.As Al Wasl steamed ahead in the third, it appeared as though the Moroccans has run out of steam and, if not giving up, then certainly giving in to a barrage of spikes, eventually losing 25-13 to go two games to one down.However, in an outstanding display of skill and sheer determination, the spectators were treated to a do-or-die game that will surely be one of the tightest in the tournament.In line with the official world governing regulations, a game must be won by two clear points when one team reaches 25 and it took another eight serves before Al Wasl finally managed to break down their gritty opponents and pull away with a final score of 30-28.Being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Chairperson of Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, AWST runs until 12 February.