Osaka, Japan, Nov. 18 (Mehr News Agency) -- Iran defeated Egypt in the Men's World Grand Champions Cup at Osaka Municipal Central Gymnasium on Wednesday. Iran, runner-up to Japan in the Asian Championship, rallied back from losing the first set to win 21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 15-10 for a dream start.
Iran is scheduled to play Brazil on Thursday in the event. Defending champion Brazil beat Cuba 3-2 in a difficult match.
"It was a very difficult match for us because we had lost two matches in Egypt 3-0 two months ago. Mentally we had a big setback because the players were thinking of revenge, so I tried to make them just focus on their performance. They did their best and it was a good start for us," said Hossein Madani.
The 2009 Men's World Grand Champions Cup started in Osaka and Nagoya, Japan, on November 18 and runs to November 23.
The World Grand Champions Cup is a men's and women's volleyball competition. Created in 1993, it is an international tournament that is played the year after the Olympic Games.
... Payvand News - 11/19/09 ... --
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