Dinamo Tbilisi retain Georgian title

FC Dinamo Tbilisi have clinched the Georgian title with a game to spare after defeating third-placed FC Sioni Bolnisi 3-0 to defend their crown and claim their 15th championship honour.

Having let the chance to seal their triumph slip through their fingers last time out, the capital club made no mistake on Sunday, surging ahead in just the 12th minute courtesy of Giorgi Merebashvili. Otar Martsvaladze doubled the advantage before the interval and top scorer Xisco Muñoz made the game and the title safe with 12 minutes to go, converting from Merebashvili's fine assist.

The result completed the first half of a potential domestic double for Dinamo, who face FC Chikhura Sachkhere in the Georgian Cup final on 21 May. "It's my first title," said coach Malkhaz Zhvania. "The season was very tense. Our task was to change our playing style and defend the title. We were 11 points ahead at one point and our players became sluggish. As a result, we lost some games. But the most important thing is that we finished successfully, and now we have to prepare for the cup final."

"We were working towards this title for the whole season," added goalkeeper Giorgi Loria. "Our leadership was undeniable, but we only claimed the title today. We have to win every game if we want to experience the joy we're experiencing today."