India stun Ukraine, to play Iran in final

India produced their best performance thus far to outplay defending champions Ukraine in four games and move in to the final of the seventh Rashid International Volleyball tournament in Dubai.

Ukraine paid heavily for their overconfidence as India came from behind to register a 23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 win.

India's victory, on Sunday, set up a final showdown with Iran, who overcame last year's runners-up Tunisia in the other semi-final, also in four games.

The final will be played on Monday night. Ukraine took the keenly-fought first game 25-23, with Viacheslav, Loshakov and Volodymyr in excellent form. Ukraine led 8-5 in the second but India fought back strongly.

Tightening their defence, India leveled the game at 21-21 with Rajesh, Joby Joseph and Selvarasu putting up a spirited performance. Ukraine edged up to 23-22 but India halted their advance again with superb defence and then drew level by winning the second game 25-23.

A resurgent India had Ukraine on the backfoot and won the third game 25-20 with the help of some blistering smashes by Tom Joseph and Amir Singh. India continued their fine form in the fourth game too as the defending champions wilted under pressure.

The combined efforts of Subba Rao, Amir Singh, Joby and Ashish Arora saw India win the fourth game and the match.