Ziraat Bankkart achieved a dramatic success over Galatasaray HDI Sigorta with 3:2 (23:25, 17:25, 25:19, 25:11, 15:9) in the second match of the final series in the Turkish Efeler Ligi. The team from Ankara now leads 2-0 in wins and is just one step away from the championship title.
Bulgarian international Georgi Tatarov once again did not participate in the match and remained outside Galatasaray's rotation.
The hosts started more confidently and managed to take the initiative in the first set, which they closed at 25:23 after an even game. In the second set, Galatasaray dominated even more decisively – a stable serve and good defensive organization led to a convincing 25:17 and a 2:0 lead.
Jean Patry was the leading scorer in this period, well supported by Stephen Maar and Thomas Jaeschke.
After the break, Ziraat Bankkart adjusted their reception and increased their attack efficiency. Tomasz Fornal and Trevor Clevenot led the team to success in the third set with 25:19, thus bringing back the intrigue.
In the fourth set, the guests totally dominated – an 8:1 run at the start broke Galatasaray's rhythm, and the lead quickly grew. The set ended with a decisive 25:11.
In the decisive set, Ziraat Bankkart continued with a more stable game. The team from Ankara took an early lead and maintained their advantage until the end, closing the match at 15:9 for a final 3:2.
Scorers
Galatasaray:
Jean Patry – 21 points
Stephen Maar – 12 points
Thomas Jaeschke – 11 points
Ziraat Bankkart:
Nimir Abdel-Aziz – 24 points
Tomasz Fornal – 18 points
Trevor Clevenot – 14 points
The third match of the final series is on April 27 in Ankara.
