Loss against SLP costs DSC all hope of advancing to final

The Maldives’ champions Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) lost all hope of advancing to the final in the CAVA Men’s Champions League on Saturday, as they were delt their third defeat in the tournament by Sri Lankan champions Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLP).

The CAVA Men’s Champions League – the biggest men’s club volleyball competition in central Asia – is taking place at the Social Center Male’ from July 17-23.

DSC had lost their first match against Nepalese champions Help Nepal (HNSC) by 3-2 sets, and their second match against Kazakh champions Zhaiyk VC by three straight sets.

It made their third match on Saturday night a crucial one for DSC.

But the DSC lost the match to SLP by 3-1 sets.

SLP took the first set by 25-20 and the second set by 25-23. DSC fought back and won the third set by 25-20. But the SLP restored their dominance and won the fourth set 25-23.

The CAVA Champions League is a round-robin tournament, where all clubs play against against each other. The two clubs that score the highest points will compete in the final for the championship trophy. Meanwhile, the clubs that place third and fourth will play a ranking match, while the clubs that place fifth and sixth will compete in a play-off match.

Saturday’s defeat shuts all doors for DSC to advance to the final. With two matches left for each club, DSC is currently ranked fifth out of six clubs with a single point. At the bottom of the table is Club HDC, which too has lost all hope of advancing to the final.

The three clubs in the running to advance to the final are Zhaiyk – which is currently on the top of the table with 9 points, Kyrgyzstan champions Bishkek who are ranked second with 8 points, and HNSC, who are ranked third with 6 points.

The matches in the tournament will continue after a one-day break on Monday.

All matches are being aired live by SSTV.