OUTSIDE spiker Michiel Ahyi and Tom Koops stepped up as the Netherlands stopped Qatar’s comeback on Saturday night, scoring a 25-18, 25-23, 26-28, 25-23 victory in Pool B of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
After controlling the first two sets, the Dutch found themselves in a tough hole in the third set as the Qataris made the match look interesting with most attacks connecting to prevent a sweep in the 32-nation competition sanctioned by the FIVB.
But after Qatar’s 28-26 third set 28-26 victory, Ahyi and Koops stood tall, with Koops delivering the game-clinching attack for a 25-23 fourth set win that wrapped up the match.
Ahyi posted 20 points on top of 14 attacks, three blocks and three service aces to lead the Dutch’s assault while Koops added 15 attacks and two service aces for 17 points. Bennie Tuinstra had 11 kills, a block, and three service points for 15 points.
“After the third set, we started the fourth set with a lot of energy again, fight for every ball, and that worked out for us,” Tuinstra said. “We kept our concentration in the fourth set and finally won the fourth set and I'm very happy with that.”
Fabian Flak also contributed 13 points, coming from nine attacks, three blocks and one point for the Netherlands.
World No. 19 Netherland’s first victory put the team on equal footing early winners Canada, Türkiye, Tunisia, the USA, Bulgaria and Portugal at 1-0.
Qatar, the world’s No. 22, drew 17 points highlighted by 16 attacks from Youssef Oughlaf.
The Netherland’s next assignment is against No. 21 Romania on Monday at 6 p.m. while Qatar will face Poland at 9:30.
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