Kazakhs storm back, boost semis drive in AVC Women's Volleyball Cup

CITY OF CANDON, Philippines — Kazakhstan shook off another sluggish start and stayed on course for a semifinal berth in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup with a 13-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-19 victory over Iran on Monday at the Candon City Arena.

It was the second consecutive match where the Kazakhs dropped the opening set before turning the tide — they won in four over Hong Kong after a straight-sets victory over Indonesia.

Kristina Belova had 23 points on 21 attacks and two blocks, while Tatyana Yatskiv had 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks.

Yuliya Fomenko had four of Kazakhstan’s 11 blocks, finishing with 10 points.

The win firmed up Kazalhstan’s place in the top two in Pool B with a 3-0 win-loss record.

Vietnam, yet to drop a set in two outings, was set to face Indonesia in the other Pool B match.

The top two from each pool move on to the semifinals of the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, FIVB, Volleyball World, AVC, Philippine Olympic Committee and the Candon City under Mayor Eric Singson.

With world ranking points on the line in this 12-nation meet, the classification round remains crucial for those missing the round of four.

Hong Kong broke through with its first win, defeating Lebanon, 25-20, 25-8, 25-13.

Sum Yuen Tang had 14 points on 12 attacks and two service aces, while Lam Shum had 13 points, all on attacks, for Hong Kong, now with a 1-2 win-loss record in Pool B.

Shantelle Marie Demirjian scored 10 and Razan El Hajj Hassan had eight points for Lebanon, winless in two matches. (Pool story)