Dubai: Al Ain clinched the First Division Volleyball League title, defeating Ajman 3-0 in their last match at the Khalifa Indoor Sports hall in Al Ain club.
Al Ain's victory put an end to Al Nasr's domination in the Volleyball League for the last five years.
It was also the first title for Al Ain in 11 years.
The match against Ajman lasted 70 minutes and Al Ain won 25-16, 25-19 and 25-20. They raised their points tally to 51, staying 3 points ahead of Al Shabab who finished second after beating Bani Yas 3-0. Al Shabab have 48 points.
Al Ahli came third with 43 points. They had a match against Al Nasr postponed to next week. Al Ahli defeated Ittihad Kalba 3-0. Their last match against Al Nasr will decide the third place.
Al Nasr, who dominated the volleyball scene in the country for the last five years and won the league title five years in a row, are currently fourth with 40 points and 2 games to go against Al Wasl and Al Ahli.
Battered morale
Al Nasr returned from the GCC clubs' tournament in Bahrain with a battered morale after losing the title in the last match through set-points difference.
The setback at the GCC tournament affected the players' morale and they lost some important matches in the domestic tournament which eventually cost them dear.
The Al Ain coach, Vesko Vukovic, expressed his delight on winning the league title in his first season with the club.
"I was confident that the hard work we did in the current season will lead us to win the league title," Vukovic said.
"I am happy with the players who showed excellent performances which lead us to this tremendous success," he added.
Al Ain's victory puts an end to Al Nasr's domination in the Volleyball League for the last five years.
