France and Puerto Rico stage epic wins in five sets

Riffa, Bahrain, August 18, 2017 – France and Puerto Rico prevailed in epic five-set matches on opening day in the 2017 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship at the Isa City Sports Hall on Friday.

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France rallied from two sets down to win big against Brazil 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-17, 17-15). Remi Bassereau scored 23 points for the European side, including crucial plays in the final set.

Puerto Rico’s Gabriel Garcia delivered 30 points to lift his team win a cardiac finish against Tunisia 3-2 (20-25, 25-18, 30-32, 25-22, 17-15). The Puerto Ricans traded set triumphs with the Tunisians until the fourth set, but their focus made the significant difference in the fifth set as they gained the two-point edge to close the match.

In other matches, Italy and hosts Bahrain overcame challenges by Czech Republic and Egypt, respectively, to come up with four-set victories. Meanwhile, Russia, Korea, Japan and China posted straight-set wins.

Four teams – Poland, Argentina, USA and Iran – will see action on Saturday, August 19. Defending champions Poland take on Brazil, while last edition’s runners-up Argentina meet Russia at 15:00 local time. USA play hosts Brazil and Italy at 19:00.