Police stay on top of Qatar League

POLICE beat Al Ahli 28-26, 25-23, 25-22 to maintain their stay at the top of Qatar League last week.

They have 48 points from 17 games, six ahead of second-placed El Jaish, who beat Al Sadd 25-14, 25-16, 25-19.

Champions Al Arabi, who defeated Al Gharafa 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, are third with 41 points.

Al Rayyan, who beat Al Wakrah 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, are fourth with 38.

Both Arabi and Rayyan have played a game less.

Since the league’s start in November, the Cops have suffered only one defeat — to former champions Al Rayyan in the first phase. 

Under new Argentinian coach Damian Arredondo, they have looked formidable right from the start.

When the teams met in the first phase, Police had defeated Ahli in straight sets and the plot was no different this time. 

Outside hitter Mads Ditlevsen, a member of Denmark’s 2012 Olympic and 2014 European Championship campaigns, proved too good for Ahli with his power-packed smashes while the experienced Chigbo John and Nadr Aboubacker — both Qatar internationals — played their roles to perfection.

Police next play Jaish on Friday. dsp