Holders Al Arabi survive big scare

CHAMPIONS Al Arabi overcame a major scare before beating Al Ahli 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 20-25, 15-11in a thrilling Qatar League tie last week.

For the first time in the competition, Arabi were stretched to five sets. At one stage it looked as though they might lose their 100 per cent record. But they regained their composure to make it seven wins from as many matches. 

Arabi won the first two sets by an identical 25-22 scoreline and were heading for a routine victory after leading 18-16 in the third. But they lost the plot thereafter as Ahli staged a tremendous fightback to win the next two sets and take the match to the decider.

Experience plays a key in crunch situations and Arabi had it in plenty as Arabi could rely on their tested trio of Ibrahim Saeed, Miguel Dalmau (both spikers) and setter Seif Lemjid in the fifth set. 

Meanwhile, former champions Al Rayyan blanked Al Khor 25-16, 25-19, 25-19 and Police beat Qatar SC 25-23, 25-19, 25-16.