New Diamond dethrone APF to clinch title

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 8: Pratibha Mali-inspired New Diamond Sports Club clinched the title of the 6th National Women's Volleyball Tournament after overcoming defending champions APF Club by 3-2 in a dramatic final held at NSC Covered Hall, Tripureswor in Kathmandu.

New Diamond struggled to beat holders APF by 28-26 in the first set. APF levelled the set by claiming the second set by 25-19. New Diamond took the third set with a tight margin of 25-22 to restore the lead.

To make a final a see-saw battle, APF clinched the fourth set by 26-24 to keep its title defence hopes alive. APF, however, lost the deciding fifth set by 9-15 to hand New Diamond the crown. 

APF lost its key player Niruta Thungana during the fourth set due to injury. She was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Nepal Police Club sealed third place at the tournament after stunning Tribhuvan Army Club 25-21, 25-21 and 25-19.

The title winner New Diamond bagged a cash prize of Rs. 300,000. APF has to satisfy with Rs. 150,000 and the second runner-up Police Club received Rs. 75,000.