2006 World Championships   More World Championship news       Tournament info: Bulgaria Men Bulgaria Women

Bulgaria start well in European men’s & women’s playoffs

Varna, Bulgaria, August 19, 2005 – Hosts Bulgaria made the perfect start in both European 2006 World Championship play off tournaments which started in Varna on Friday.

In the men’s tournament, which consists of the Ukraine, Portugal, the Netherlands and the hosts, Bulgaria claimed a thrilling five set win over the Netherlands on the opening night while Portugal beat the Ukraine 3-1.

With the winner of the tournament claiming the last available Final Round spot, Bulgaria and Netherlands turned on a brilliant show for the crowd, where included the president of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Parvanov. After many mistakes, turnovers and smashing hits, the hosts won the match 15-25, 25-18, 23-25, 26-24, 15-13 to take the early advantage for advancing to Japan.

In the earlier match Portugal started well by beating the Ukraine 3-1 (25-23, 27-29, 25-14, 25-22).

In the women’s playoff, where Bulgaria, the Ukraine and Poland are also playing for one final place in the Final Round, the hosts also started well with a tight 3-2 (25-17, 27-25, 28-30, 18-25, 15-9) win over the Ukraine.

Poland had the bye and will make their debut on Saturday when they play the Ukraine.

With both tournaments finishing on Sunday, the winner of each tournament will advance to the Final Round in Japan next year.