Netherlands 2018: Top five moments

The Sitting Volleyball World Championships left many unforgettable moments and some surprising results.

Paralympic gold medallists Iran confirmed their status as the world’s best male team by reclaiming the title against defending champions Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Russia*, on the other hand, sealed their first women’s title after beating Rio 2016 champions USA in the final.

Here are five of the best moments in the competition.

Russia make history

Reigning world champions China and Rio 2016 gold medallists USA were the strongest on paper for the women’s competition. But European champions Russia upset all odds to claim gold following a 3-1 victory over USA in the final.

Can someone stop Iran?

With 2.46m tall Morteza Mehrzadselakjani at his best, Iran seem unstoppable. The world No.1 team followed up Rio 2016 gold medal with their seventh men’s Worlds title after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0.

Netherlands fail to reach semi-finals

Debutants Italy enjoyed a dreamed run on Dutch soil, even defeating the hosts women’s team 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-11) in arguably the best match of the tournament. They denied Netherlands the chance to advance into the last four for the first time ever.

More expected from Egypt

The African champions had the potential to reach the men’s podium after achieving top-finishes at recent Worlds and Paralympics. But they were eliminated in the quarter-finals and had to settle for a sixth place following a 3-0 loss to Russia.

Princess Margriet attends

Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, who’s an IPC Honorary Board member, paid a surprise visit and joined the many orange supporters in the Dutch women’s team 3-0 victory over Rwanda.

Full results and more information can be found on World ParaVolley’s website.

*Editor's note: The International Paralympic Committee suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee on 7 August 2016 for its inability to fulfil its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code (to which it is also a signatory). As a result of the suspension, Russian athletes cannot enter IPC sanctioned events or competitions, including the Paralympic Games.