By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Leo Ordiales nearly carried Alas Pilipinas to another stunning upset before Iran escaped with a narrow 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20 victory in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Thursday night, September 18.

The Negrense spiker turned in a breakout performance, delivering 21 points built on his fearless attacking and timely plays that kept the Filipinos in stride with the Asian powerhouse in a pulsating five-set clash.

Iran looked ready to pull away in the deciding set after opening an 8-4 cushion, taking advantage of Alas Pilipinas’ service miscues.

But Ordiales, alongside Bryan Bagunas, powered a spirited rally that erased the deficit and tied the match at 10-all, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The momentum seemed to shift in favor of the Filipinos when they surged ahead, 20-18, behind Ordiales’ relentless offense.

But a costly net touch violation halted the run, allowing Iran to regroup and eventually close out the match to secure a Round of 16 berth with a 2-1 record in Pool A.

Despite the painful defeat, Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni lauded the team’s fight.

“I am pity with the way we lost because we were in a dream, and we woke up just one point before the dream was finished. But that’s the life of the sport,” he said.

Iran leaned on Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh Firouzjah and Ali Hajipour Moghaddam Farouji, who finished with 22 points each, to hold off the Filipinos’ last-ditch stand.

Bagunas topscored for Alas Pilipinas with 22 points, while Marck Espejo and Kim Malabunga added 15 and 10 points, respectively./ASC, WDJ