Delhi Toofans finally found their rhythm in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, registering their first victory of the season with a confident straight-sets win over hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Friday.
The Toofans prevailed 15–10, 16–14, 17–15, with Carlos Berrios delivering a standout all-round performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Adding to the evening’s significance, the match was graced by Shri Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Sports and Youth Services Minister of Telangana, and Shri Shiva Sena Reddy, Chairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana, who interacted with both teams before the start of play.
The Toofans capitalised on Hyderabad’s shaky start, as three consecutive service errors from the hosts gifted Delhi early momentum. Venezuelan star Jesus Chourio led Delhi’s early charge, striking powerfully from the wings and keeping the Black Hawks’ backline under pressure. Hyderabad, however, responded through John Joseph, who made an impact from the middle zone with quick spikes and well-timed blocks.
Despite that, unforced errors continued to haunt Hyderabad. Their miscommunication in defence and erratic serving handed Delhi easy points, allowing the Toofans to take the opening set 15–10 without much resistance.
Carlos Berrios Dominates the Court
From the second set onwards, Carlos Berrios took complete control of proceedings. The Puerto Rican attacker was relentless at the net, combining raw power with precise placement to pierce Hyderabad’s block line repeatedly. His serves also proved a constant challenge for the hosts, often forcing mishandled receptions and out-of-system plays. Delhi captain Saqlain Tariq orchestrated the team’s attack with intelligent distribution, mixing up sets to keep Hyderabad’s blockers guessing. His partnership with Berrios and Chourio ensured Delhi’s offense remained unpredictable throughout.
Hyderabad tried to find stability through Shikhar Singh and Sahil Kumar, whose defensive efforts kept the second set close. But crucial moments went Delhi’s way, particularly when Muhammad Jasim redeemed an earlier error by earning a super point with a powerful spike, swinging the momentum back to the Toofans. Delhi’s libero Anand was at the heart of their defensive effort, producing acrobatic saves and pinpoint digs that drew loud cheers from the Hyderabad crowd. His anticipation and positioning allowed the Toofans to recover from tough situations and convert defence into attack seamlessly.
The Black Hawks, sensing Delhi’s vulnerability in the middle zone, shifted their attacking strategy. Brazilian Vitor Yudi Yamamoto began to exert pressure through quick strikes and clever placements, but Delhi’s adjustments in formation particularly the rotation involving Saqlain and Berrios neutralized the threat effectively.
Toofans Hold Nerve in a Tight Finish
The third set turned into a test of composure as both teams traded points in quick succession. Hyderabad fought hard to force a fourth set, with Yamamoto and Joseph keeping them within touching distance. However, Delhi maintained their discipline at crucial moments. Berrios continued to find gaps in the Black Hawks’ defence, while Chourio added the finishing touches from the right flank. With the score tied at 15–15, Delhi regrouped during a timeout and executed flawlessly thereafter. A pinpoint serve from Saqlain forced a receiving error, before Berrios hammered home the final point with a thundering spike to clinch the match 17–15, sealing Delhi’s first victory of the season.
For the Toofans, this win represents not just a morale boost but also a statement of their potential in the ongoing PVL season. Their blend of international flair, improved coordination, and defensive resilience finally clicked into place. Carlos Berrios’ commanding presence, ably supported by Chourio’s power and Anand’s defensive heroics, turned the tide for Delhi, who now look to build momentum heading into their next fixtures.
For the hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks, it was a night of missed opportunities. Despite flashes of brilliance from Yamamoto and Joseph, their unforced errors and lack of consistency cost them dearly.
Final Score: Delhi Toofans beat Hyderabad Black Hawks 15–10, 16–14, 17–15
Player of the Match: Carlos Berrios (Delhi Toofans)
