The first semi-final of the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup lived up to its pre-match billing as a cliffhanger when the collective might of Iran saw them overcome the stiff challenge of Korea Republic 28-22.
Korea, who were the only unbeaten team in the league phase, would rue that their first loss came at the knock-out stage. Iran captain Meraj Sheykh rose like a talisman to effectively counter the threat posed by a dangerous Korean outfit. Korea dictated the match’s course by surging to a healthy 11-4 lead at one stage. Korea’s raider Hang Kun Lee, on whose broad shoulders hinged his team’s hopes, impressed in the first quarter with a few wily incursions in Iran’s half. Iran’s defence looked all over the place, but they made amends for a tepid first-half, by going for the jugular in the second. At half-time, Korea were leading 14-12.
All that was to change upon resumption as Iran’s Fazel Atrachali and Gholamabbas Korouki, ably complemented their captain in foiling their opponents designs of raiding.
