Indomitable Iran proved too much for Chinese Taipei as the host side smashed the formidable visitors 3-1 to claim bronze medal at the 12th Asian Men’s U18 Volleyball Championship at Poursharifi Gymnasium on Friday.

For Iran, the dramatic 25-23, 21-25, 25-16, 25-20 victory was a sweet revenge over Chinese Taipei, to whom they went down in straight sets in the Pool B preliminaries earlier, asianvolleyball.net reported.

Iran, suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Japan in the semi-finals the previous day, came up in full strength to power past Chinese Taipei in four-setter for the bronze medal,  a place better than the fourth they had taken at the previous episode in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar last year, leaving Chinese Taipei to return with the fourth place.

Iran were strengthened by two cannons, Amir Hossein Khani and Barida Saadat, while Tseng Mao-Tsung and Jackman spearheaded the Chinese Taipei side.

Chinese Taipei had three wins (over Iran, Australia, Thailand) against two losses (to Korea and Iran)   en route to their fourth-place finish.

“I think Chinese Taipei, Iran, Japan, and Korea deserved the berths for the 2019 World Championship. I hope all of these four teams become good representatives of Asia in the next year’s U19 World Championship. Aside from losing and winning, the level of the match was high in terms of quality and efficiency. One important part of coaching is to take risk and I used Amir Hossein Khani, who defied all the analysis of the opponents. It was a big risk but it worked. Not only I am happy with the medal, but also my players who found the opportunity to experience a major tournament. We have to try our best to remove our weaknesses ahead of our participation in the World Championship in an effort of retaining our title,” Iran head coach Reza Vakili stated.

“I am very thankful to the organizers that provided us good facilities. I congratulate Iran team for this victory also. No. 12 of Iran surprised us. He did a very good job. Iran served well today and destroyed our receptions,” Chinese Taipei head coach Wang Teng-Chi commented.