Muscat – Qatar's senior men's volleyball team will take on Iraq on Monday in the semi-finals of the 2nd West Asia Men's Volleyball Championship, currently underway in Muscat and running through July 22.
Qatar secured its place in the last four after topping Group A with a perfect record. The reigning champions opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Syria before sealing first place with a commanding straight-sets win over Kuwait, claiming the match 28-26, 25-16 and 25-14.
The defending champions, who lifted the inaugural edition's title in Bahrain, enter the semi-final determined to extend their impressive run and book a place in the championship match. Iraq, meanwhile, will be aiming to spring an upset and eliminate one of the tournament's leading title contenders.
Iraq advanced to the semi-finals after finishing second in Group B. Despite suffering a straight-sets defeat to hosts Oman, the Iraqis secured crucial victories over Saudi Arabia and Lebanon during the group stage.
In the other semi-final, Group B winners Oman will meet Group A runners-up Kuwait in another highly anticipated contest to determine the second finalist.
Attention now turns to the semi-final clashes and classification matches at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, where Qatar will be looking to retain its West Asia crown and reinforce its standing as one of the region's premier volleyball nations.
The championship features seven teams divided into two groups. Group A comprises Qatar, Kuwait and Syria, while Group B includes Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Lebanon.