After a close duel of rookies, it was Taichung Bank the winning side over Egypt's Tala'ea El-Geish
Betim, Brazil, October 20, 2016 - FIVB Men’s Club World Championship debutants Tala’ea El-Geish from Egypt and Chinese Taipei’s Taichung Bank nearly delivered the first five-setter of 2016 edition, but the latter reacted just in time to claim their first historical victory at the tournament by 3-1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23).
Spiker Wang Ming-Chun carried the flag with a match-high score of 17 points, supported by Huang Chien-Feng (14) and captain Chen Chien-Chen (12) at the attacking front. Meanwhile, Tala’ea El-Geish suffered a low afternoon of their usual star Ahmed Abdelhay and the 14-point game of Mohamed Thakil wasn’t enough for the win.
After a first set with Abdelhay on rhythm, the traditional Asian recipe of tireless digs and quick counterattacks started to work. Taichung quickly moved to 6-0 on the second act and used all of their spikers to hold and even improve the lead until a 1-1 tie on the board.
It was there when El-Geish lost their focus, unable to score despite the substitutions made by coach Sherif Elshemerly. A high number of African errors rapidly drove the third set to an end and then Thakil appeared to bring the tie-break closer, but after the 20th point it was all Wang, Huang and Chen to give the win to Taichung.
FIVB Volleyball Men's Club World Championship Betim 2016 - Teams