LAHORE, March 18: Wapda edged out rivals Police in the National men’s volleyball championship final here at the Wapda Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Wapda, who reclaimed the title after five years, dislodged Police 14-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-18 in the final between the two giant-killers.

Army seized third place in the classification match that was played before the final by beating NWFP in straight sets of 25-22, 25-11 and 25-21 in 55 minutes.

Earning several points through sizzling shots aimed towards their rivals’ middle court, Wapda also displayed impressive blocking which Police failed to rip through.

Although Police had won the first set quite easily, Wapda entered the court for the second set in a different frame of mind.

Led by international Irfan Nawaz, the winning outfit immediately sent a warning to Police as their smashers Imran Sultan, Farooq Khan along with the captain himself were on song to win the second set by the same margin with which they had lost the first one. The score at this stage was one-all.

The third set saw Wapda mounting more pressure on Police as their attacking strategy penetrated further through their rival’s defense. Police too failed to cope with the pressure and made several errors, allowing Wapda to wrap up the set quickly to gain a 2-1 lead.

Wapda adhered to their game plan in the fourth set as well, giving no room to Police to take the final into the fifth set. Grabbing the last four points in less than two minutes, they won the match amidst thunderous applause from the spectators.

Naseer Ahmad of Police was declared the most valuable player of the tournament while team-mate Mohib Rasool was the best server.

The remaining titles went to Wapda’s Imran Sultan (best libero), Farooq Khan (best spiker), Irfan Nawaz (best setter) and Ali Abbas (best blocker).