Indian spikers stretched

Three-time champions India were tested by unfancied Australia before prevailing 3-1 in the sixth Rashid International volleyball championships, in Dubai, on Saturday night.

The victory saw them climb to the third spot in the standings.

The Indians had to fight hard for their second victory in four matches as they overcame doughty Australia 21-25, 25-21, 30-28, 25-21 in a four-set thriller at the al Shabab Club indoor stadium.

The Aussies took the first set, their success partly due to the problems the Indians had in blocking at the net, giving an early scare to their opponents.

India excelled in attacks but their defence had many loopholes and failed to cope with Aussies' scorching serves.

But the Indian team was helped by too many errors by the Australians, serving out or smashing wide too often.

Tom 'Tony' Joseph was at his usual best with his smashes and disguised drops. He was ably supported by Manoj Kumar.

The inexperienced Australians put up unexpected resistance and their talented server Brett Alderman was declared the man-of-the-match.

"We failed in every department but attack. The Australians did well to go on the attack as they had nothing to lose," Indian coach Shyam Sunder Rao said.

In the other match, holders Ukraine beat GCC All Stars 26-24, 25-12, 29-27. Ukraine (eight points) lead the table with Tunisia (six points) and India (four points) second and third respectively.