By Abby Toralba
KAZAKHSTAN and India launched their campaign in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women on a high note yesterday, handily dominating their opponents at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
In the curtain-raiser, Kazakhstan needed just three sets to humble the young bloods of Singapore, scoring a 25-15, 25-9, 25-17 victory in Pool B.
India also breezed past Iran in straight sets 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 in Pool A action.
Defending champion Vietnam battled Hong Kong and Australia faced Chinese Taipei in other games yesterday.
Pilipinas Alas debuts against Australia today, Thursday at 7 p.m. in Pool A after Indonesia takes on Hong Kong at 10 a.m. in Pool B and Vietnam clashes with Singapore in Pool B at 4 p.m.
Kristina Belova led the scoring load for Kazakhstan with 15 points, eight from attacks and seven service aces, while skipper Sana Anarkulova had 13 markers in the 72-minute battle.
“The first game, every time, is difficult. Because now in Kazakhstan, it’s 7 in the morning, it’s so early. Our people (are) still asleep. But we try to show our good performance, good power, and we need to win,” Anarkulova said.
From a 16-all count in the third set, Kazakhstan went on an 8-0 run to take a 24-16 lead and wrapped up the match on a service error by Singapore.
Kazakhstan will have a rest day today, Thursday, and will return to action on Friday, facing defending champion Vietnam.
Radhakrishnan Anagha and Anusree Kambrath propelled the Indians, fourth placers in the last Challenge Cup, with 16 and 15 markers, respectively, while Shaalini Saravanan scored 12.
“I feel very proud and happy. The Iran team also was (a) very good team but we focused on our service and digging and we got good results today,” said captain Kovat Shaji Jini.
