DSC and Club HDC lose first 3 matches in Cava Men’s Champions League

Maldivian clubs Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) and Club HDC have lost their opening three matches at the Cava Men’s Champions League, currently taking place in Male'.

The tournament features six teams including Maldivian champions DSC and Club HDC, along with Help Nepal Sports Club (Nepal), Ports Authority (Sri Lanka), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), and Zaik (Kazakhstan).

HDC lost their first match in straight sets to Bishkek with 27-25, 26-24, 25-20. On Friday night, they fell 3-1 to Help Nepal with 19-25, 23-25, 25-19, 22-25, and on Saturday, were defeated by Zaik in another straight-set loss of 25-11, 25-22, 25-13.

DSC also lost their opening match to Help Nepal 2-3 in five sets, 33-31, 25-20, 22-25, 20-25, 15-8. They were then beaten 3-0 by Zaik with 25-17, 25-22, 25-15, before suffering a 3-1 defeat against the Ports Authority of Sri Lanka on Saturday with 25-20, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, giving the Sri Lankan team their first win.

The tournament follows a round-robin format, after which the top two teams will contest the final on Wednesday night. Additional matches will determine third and fifth places.

Zaik and Bishkek are currently leading the standings, both with three wins, while Help Nepal has won two. Each team has two group-stage matches remaining.

On Monday, DSC will play Bishkek, and HDC will face the Ports Authority. The two Maldivian sides will face off on Tuesday evening.

This marks the second edition of the Cava Club Championship, and the first held under the title "Cava Men’s Champions League."

Last year’s edition was held in Nepal, where HDC reached the semi-finals after a round-robin victory, eventually losing to Iran’s Chadormalu. India’s Calicut Heroes were crowned champions after beating Help Nepal in the final.