ISLAMABAD, June 6: Pakistan’s Habib Bank stayed in contention in the Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship on Monday defeating Thailand’s Samsom in straight sets at the Liaquat Gymnasium.

Habib Bank, who now have seven points from four matches, recorded a 25-22, 25-19, 25-21 victory as they continued to eye the title.

Shanghai of China sprang a big surprise, bringing to a grinding halt the unbeaten run of Kazakhstan’s Rahat in a five-set marathon 23-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-20, 15-7. India’s Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC)continued their dismal run as Iran’s table toppers Saipa handed them a 25-14, 25-20, 25-16 thrashing.

Habib Bank showed good form and despite encountering turbulence on the way were safely home through the efforts of Sanaullah Khan, Ehsanullah Tipu and Zaheer Abbas. Also shining bright were captain Irfan Nawaz and Kashif Mansoor. Samsom fought hard all through but erred at crucial stages that proved costly for them.

Jitjumroon Supachia, Saiphum Supachai and Tabwises Wanchai were three of their key players leading the challenge.

But clearly the match of the day was Shanghai’s blow to Rahat, a side that went into the match with three wins on the trot.

Shanghai’s win was all the more creditable for they came back from two games down to turn the tables on their fancied rivals.

Wang Zhi Teng, Wang Ye and Fang Yin Chao played star roles in victory that was achieved following a long hard struggle.

The resistance from Rahat was strong with captain Miklashevich Suvatoslav, Imangaliyev Marat and Trikoz Sergey doing everything they could to save the match but clearly the Chinese had other ideas.

India’s HSIDC side were never expected to stand up to the Saipa might and were soon down and out. They now sit at the bottom of the table with five points from four matches.

Results:

Saipa (Iran) bt HSIDC (India) 25-14, 25-20, 25-16, Shanghai (China) bt Rahat (Kazakhstan) 23-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25- 20, 15-7, Habib Bank (Pakistan) bt Samsom (Thailand) 25-22, 25- 0 - ? 19, 25-21.

Fixtures for Tuesday: Saipa (Iran) v Uzi Samarkand (Uzbekistan) at 12.00 pm, HSIDC (India) v Shanghai (China) at 2.00 pm, Habib Bank (Pakistan) v Rahat (Kazakhstan) at 4.00 pm.

Points table (tabulate as played, won, lost and points)

Saipa 5-4-1-9;

Shanghai 5-3-2-8;

Rahat 4-3-1-7;

Habib Bank 4-3-1-7;

Samsom 5-1-4-6;

Uzi Samarkand 5-1-4-6;

HSIDC 4-1-3-5.