Iranian Volleyball Premier League:
Foolad tightens grip on top; Shahdab stunned by San’atgaran
The latest round of fixtures in the Iranian Volleyball Premier League saw Foolad Sirjan strengthen its hold on top spot in the regular-season standings with a straight-sets victory over Shahrdari Urmia.
Coached by former national team boss Behrouz Ataei, Foolad claimed a 28-26, 25-13, 25-22 win to register its 15th victory in 17 matches.
The result moved Foolad to 43 points, four clear of second-placed Shahdab Yazd.
Last season’s runner-up Shahdab, beaten by Foolad in the championship series, suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat (29-27, 23-25, 29-27, 25-23) to San’atgaran Omid earlier in the day and remained on 13 wins.
The victory marked San’atgaran’s ninth of the campaign, consolidating seventh place with 27 points and keeping the side in contention for a playoff berth.
Elsewhere, third-placed Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan also stumbled, falling 3-1 (29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 25-22) to Tabiat Eslamshahr to stay on 32 points from 11 wins.
Paykan closed to within one point of third place after mounting a dramatic comeback to defeat Esteghlal Gonbad in a five-set thriller (23-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-11).
In other matches, Pas Gorgan beat fifth-placed Chadormalou 3-1 (25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23), while Mehregan Noor rallied to edge Razin Polymer in five sets (23-25, 25-14, 25-22, 22-25, 15-13).