A united volleyball family pictured at the FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship in Manila
Lausanne, Switzerland, October 26, 2016 – Manila welcomed the 2016 edition of the FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship with open arms and fans at the Mall of Asia Arena and watching on television and online were witnesses to a thrilling finale on Sunday when Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul delivered a thrilling tie-break victory against Pomi Casalmaggiore to claim back-to-back titles and take position on the top step of the podium.
The tournament drew attention from volleyball fans in Manila and across the country, with excitement shifting up a gear as players from the world's top teams met fans at a meet and greet session in the build-up to the event.
The tournament marked an important milestone for the sport in the Philippines - the country last hosted an FIVB event 11 years ago, when the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix was held in Manila in 2005.
The seven local players of the PSL-F2 Logistics Manila team took a big step and grabbed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on the world’s best players.
The Manila players knew they had a mountain to climb, but claimed one set against defending champions Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul and won the hearts of their numerous fans.
Spectators got a chance to see the top names in the sport and young Serbian opposite spiker Tijana Boskovic of Eczacibasi impressed everyone to earn MVP and Best Opposite Spiker honours.
Eczacibasi captain Neslihan Demir was delighted when her team won the championship... and held on to the trophy as long as she could.
The biggest winners, however, were probably the fans, who were treated to the best volleyball show in the country in years. They also had something to look forward to after matches when players took time out to meet the fans.
The Women’s Club World Championship, of course, would not be possible without hardworking officials and volunteers, who gathered at the end of the tournament for this memorable image of players, referees, officials and volunteers all assembled on court.