INDIA and Iran set the stage for their battle for fifth after humbling their opponents yesterday in the classification round of the AVC Challenge Cup for Women at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
India, ranked 59th in the world, beat Indonesia in four sets 25-16, 30-32, 25-20, 27-25 while Iran dispatched Hong Kong also in four sets 26-24, 26-24, 19-25, 25-19.
They clash today at 1 p.m., after the 10 am battle between Indonesia and Hong Kong.
The Philippines was battling Kazakhstan last night for a spot in the finals while defending champion Vietnam was up against Australia.
The losers clash today for the bronze, with the winners disputing the crown.
Outside hitter Anusree Kambrath Poyilil led India with 21 points, Soorya Soorya fired 18 markers, while Shaalini Saravanan added 12.
“Indonesia played well. We focused on our defense and reception. They gave so much fight for us,” said skipper Jini Kovat Shaji, who chipped in 13 markers.
Junaida Santi tallied 24 markers for Indonesia while team captain Sabrina Agustina and Putri Agustin chipped in 21 and 16 points, respectively.
Aytak Salamatgharamaleki registered a game-high 26 points, Shaghayeg Hassankhani and Zahra Karimi had a combined 21 markers, while Hedieh Taleifarkhondeh chipped in 12 points for the Iranians.
