Tokyo 2020: Iran beat Poland in five-set thriller

TOKYO, July 24 (Reuters) – Hosts Japan began their men’s volleyball campaign with their first victory at the Olympics in 29 years while Iran edged Poland in a five-set epic in their Pool A openers at an empty Ariake Arena on Saturday.

Iran battled Poland for over 2-1/2 hours to beat the second-ranked side in the world 18-25 25-22 25-22 22-25 23-21 in a tense contest which had nine match points between them.

Poland, led by Wilfredo Leon’s 23 points, saved six match points and even had two themselves in the decider, as fatigue set in and both teams served poorly, until Iran finally clinched victory on their seventh match point.

Earlier, Italy fought back from two sets down to seal a remarkable victory against Canada in Pool A.

This article was originally published in (Reuters) on [July 24, 2021].
Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge
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