SL beat Maldives 3-0

Take on Pakistan today:

YASARATNE GAMAGE

Sri Lanka defeated Maldives by 3-0 sets in the opening volleyball match of the Asian Zonal Men’s Qualification Tournament for 2014 World Championships at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday.

It was a tremendous start for Sri Lanka when they won the first set by 25-20 and went on to win the second much easily by 25-12. In the third set Maldivians were played much better and led the first few minutes with a margin of two points.

Halfway through the third set the score remained the same at 15 all and then some tactical placement of the ball and a couple of electric spikes, Sri Lanka started to dominate the game and finished the final set with a margin of two points.

Maldivians made some mistakes when serving the ball and made easier for Sri Lanka to surpass them. On the other hand Sri Lankans also seen losing concentration under the pressure when their opponents were leading the scoreboard.

Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation President Foreign Employment and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera and Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage were present at the opening ceremony held with the participation of players and officials from all participating countries, Sri Lanka, Indaia, Pakistan and Maldives.

Today Sri Lanka will play against Pakistan at the same venue, starting at 3pm while India takes on Maldives at 5pm. Tomorrow Sri Lanka will fight against India while Pakistan will battle it out with Maldives.