Slovenia shut out Croatia to finish 5th in women’s 2019 #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Slovenia captured 5th place in the women’s final ranking of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships after sweeping Croatia 3-0 (25-8 25-16, 25-18) in their last match of the women’s pool for positions 9-5.

Lena Gabrscek with 14 points Klara Vrabic with 13 for Slovenia were top scorers of the game, though Andreja Giba was close behind with 12 for Croatia. Slovenia’s serving was no match for Croatia, producing 26 aces to decide the outcome.

Slovenia finished undefeated in the 5-9 pool, but the result also guarantees Finland 6th place in the final ranking. Positions 7 and 8 will be confirmed after the last match of the pool. Great Britain have already ranked 9th.

Men – 5th/6th Place – CRO v SRB

Croatia outlast Serbia in tie-break for 5th place

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Croatia managed to outlast Serbia 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 25-14, 22-25, 15-8) to claim 5th place in the men’s final ranking at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships.

Captain Ivan Cosic scored a match high 18 points and Edvin Zdionica contributed another 17 for Croatia in a match that was too close to call until the end.

With each team serving five aces and attacking for 33%, Serbia just had the edge in blocking with 12 stuffs to 11. But Croatia kept their unforced errors to 30, compared to 39 committed by Serbia. Serbia rank 6th overall in the European Championships.

Men – 7th/8th Place – LAT v NED

Latvia take 7th place with win over the Netherlands

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Latvia came back from a set down to beat the Netherlands 3-1 (19-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-23) and clinch 7th place in the men’s final ranking at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championship.

Andrejs Filipavics scored 20 points for Latvia, with Aleksandrs Vivcariks and Juris Sprukts adding another 14 each – to counter the match highs of 22 by Loek Hendrix and 20 by Geert van den Heuvel for the Dutch.

Latvia outblocked (14 to 10) and outserved (10 to 6) the Netherlands. The result leaves the Netherlands in 8th place in the final ranking.

Women – 7th/8th Place – HUN v FIN

Finland beat Hungary to wrap up women’s 5-9 pool

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Finland wrapped up women’s 5-9 pool at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-15) victory that brought the classification matches to a close.

Maria Viitala was again top scorer for Finland with a match high of 18 points, as the winners served an impressive total of 30 aces for an average of 10 per set. Finland had already secured 6th place in the overall ranking even before the start of the match.

But the result gave Croatia 7th place and left Hungary in 8th. Great Britain bring up the rear in 9th place overall. Earlier on Saturday, Slovenia had clinched 5th place after completing the pool undefeated.

Men Bronze Medal game – UKR v GER

Germany outclass Ukraine for men’s bronze at 2019 #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Germany return to the podium of the Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships, after missing out last time, winning the bronze medal at the 2019 edition with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-22) win over Ukraine.

Germany produced some highly efficient volleyball to take early leads in both the first and second sets. Ukraine tried to gain control and get back in the game in the third, but Germany quickly put that right, making a 7-0 run from 4-8 to 11-8. They never looked back, extending their newfound lead to reach match point with five to spare.

Ukraine did make a last-minute desperate attempt to stay alive, closing in from 19-24 to 22-24, But coach Michael Merten called a timeout to disrupt that run and upon returning on court #10 promptly blocked Dmytro Melnyk to settle the matter once and for all.

Dominik Albrecht was back to his usual self, bagging a match-high 23 points for Germany with a 45% attacking efficiency (21 kills from 47 swings). Denys Bytchenko with 13 points for Ukraine was the only other player to score in double digits. The result means Ukraine’s silver medal of 2017 remains a one-off podium finish.

Women Bronze Medal game – UKR v GER

Ukraine react to German pressure to take women’s bronze

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Germany gave Ukraine a run for their money but failed to make the podium for the first time in history, as Ukraine persevered for a 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-10) win that earned them women’s bronze at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here Saturday afternoon.

It is Ukraine’s seventh straight podium finish since their first appearance in 2007 for silver. Ukraine quickly got off to a 3-0 start in the tie-break and began building on that, to switch courts five points in the lead.

Germany did rally back to close in to within two, but at 13-10 Liudmyla Lozko tipped the ball over the block and Kateryna Koziar followed up with a stuff on Marlies Dreblow to seal the deal. Ukrained based their win on an amazing scoring performance by Elina Bezprozvanna who bagged 35 points and registered a kill efficiency of 55% (31/56) with Lozko adding another 20. Michelle Schiffler was Germany’s high scorer with 19.

Women Gold Medal game – RUS v ITA

Unstoppable Russia demolish Italy for back-to-back women’s titles

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Russia were on fire here Saturday afternoon, demolishing Italy 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-22) to claim women’s gold at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with back-to-back titles.

Russia completed their campaign at the European Championships in Budapest undefeated and without dropping a single set in their seven matches.

From the Italian side there was none of the previous night’s magic that had earned them a place in the final and a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Russia immediately got off with a 5-0 run at the very start of the game and made it all look so simple from there on.

Italy did attempt a half-hearted comeback in the third, advancing to a 4-12 lead, but an 11-3 run by the defending champions had it all level by 15-15 and reached match point with three to spare. Italy pulled one last one back for 24-22, but a tip by Irina Smirnova deep down the line and into the corner wrapped it all up.

Smirnova with a match-high 14 points Iuliia Mednikova with another 12 were Russia’s scoring leaders, as the winners served 16 aces (six of those from Smirnova).

It was Russia’s second straight and overall gold medal (after a bronze in 2011 and a silver in 2015).

For Italy it was still a historic moment – their first ever appearance on the podium of a Sitting Volleyball European Championships.

Men Gold Medal game – RUS v BIH

Russia survive three match points to claim back-to-back titles

Budapest, Hungary, 20 July 2019 – Russia edged Bosnia & Herzegovina in dramatic fashion, cancelling three match points of the Balkan side and winning an epic 3-2 (26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 17-15) battle in the men’s final of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships for back-to-back titles.

After ten titles on the trot, between 1991 and 2015, Bosnia & Herzegovina are left without gold for the second time running.

Bosnia & Herzegovina came from far behind in the first set to tie the score at 23-23 and become first to reach set point – though that was cancelled on a net touch by Ermin Jusufovic and Russia responded with back-to-back points by Viktor Milenin, on a block on Adnan Manko for 25-24 followed by a kill to bring it home.

It was the first set that Bosnia & Herzegovina lost in the whole competition, after a 21-0 run.

Russia remained in control at the start of the second, though Bosnia & Herzegovina caught up at 10-10 and the two sides fought point-by-point until Mirzet Duran punched the ball through the Russian block for Bosnia & Herzegovina to reach match point and then Milenin hit long.

It was just as tight in the third, but after 18-18 Bosnia & Herzegovina broke off by three points and kept on siding out till the end.

Russia turned the tables in the fourth and it was the defending champions that got that slight two-point advantage going into the 20s and reaching set point at 24-21, before Nizam Cancar failed to clear the net in Bosnia & Herzegovina’s counter-attack, forcing the tie-break.

A 4-1 breakaway by Bosnia & Heregovina at the start of the tie-break forced coach Aleksandr Ovsyanniko to call an early timeout and promptly Russia rallied to come level. Bosnia & Herzegovina broke away once again to change sides leading by three, Russia levelled again and so it carried on until Bosnia & Herzegovina reached set point with two to spare at 12-14.

A couple of attacks by Milenin, though, cancelled both set points to make it 14-14 and yet another for 15-15, before captain Aleksandr Savichev brought Russia ahead for the first time in the set and the defending champions errupted in celebration after an errant attack by Bosnia & Herzegovina brought it all to a close.

Milenin with 26 points was by a long shot the top scorer of the final on 26 points, including 2 aces and 4 blocks. Savichev added another 19 for Russia, on par with Bosnia & Herzegovina’s best scorer, Ermin Jusufovic.

Russia were totally outblocked (14 to 26) but produced far more efficient receiving (34% to 17%).

It was the second time in this European Championships that the two teams came head-to-head. In pool play Bosnia & Herzegovina had beaten Russia in straight sets.

The post Day 6 – Men’s & Women’s Medals match reports appeared first on 2019 Paravolley Europe.

Slovenia on track for 5th place after sweep of Great Britain

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Slovenia remain undefeated at the top of the table of the 5-9 pool at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships after sweeping Great Britain 3-0 (25-9, 25-15, 25-13) to get Day 5 started at the competition here Friday morning.

A match high 13 points by Klara Vrabic plus 12 from Senta Jeler and 11 from captain Lena Gabršček got Slovenia going, as they served as many as 33 aces (to Great Britain’s 12).

Slovenia are now 2-0 at the top of the table (though Hungary and Croatia also remain undefeated). Great Britain remain winless after three matches in the 5-9 pool and seven matches overall in these European Championships.

CRO v FIN

Finland grab first win in women’s 5-9 pool

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Finland shut out Croatia 3-0 (27-25, 25-15, 25-17) as pool play for women’s positions 5-9 at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here Friday morning.

Maria Viitala was again top scorer for Finland with a match high 14 points, as the Nordic side served 16 aces to Croatia’s 11 and also attacked much more efficiently.

It was Finland’s first win in the pool, bringing their record to 1-1, on par with Croatia who suffered their first loss in the 5-9 matches.

FIN v GBR

Finland grab another victory for 5-9, leave Great Britain winless

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Finland scored another victory in the race for 5th place in the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championship, 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-8) over bottom of the table Great Britain in the 5-9 pool.

Once more it was Maria Viitala leading the scoring for Finland with a match high 9 points. The Finns served 23 aces, including six each from Hanna-Maria Sariluoto, Petra Pakarinen and Viitala.

This brings Great Britain’s campaign in the European Championships to a close, winless after a total of eight matches and ranked 9th overall.

CRO v HUN

Croatia outlast Hungary in race for 5th place

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Croatia twice led and were twice equalised before eventually getting the win 3-2 (25-21, 15-25, 25-17, 13-25, 15-10) over hosts Hungary in the continuing race for 5th place in the women’s 5-9 round-robin pool.

Captain Andreja Giba was again top scorer for Croatia with 14 points, though Hungary’s Barbara Nebehaj got the match high of 19.

It was Hungary’s first defeat in the 5-9 pool and the hosts now stand at 1-1, while Croatia go 2-1. Slovenia remain the only unbeaten team in the pool on 2-0.

RUS v UKR

Russia step up to to make fourth straight #EuroSittingVolley final

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Russia will be there to defend their title from 2017 when they meet Italy in Saturday’s final of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships, after totally overwhelming Ukraine 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-12) in Friday evening semifinal action here.

The match was almost a non-event, with Russia producing such brilliance on the court that left Ukraine struggling to find any way back in.

Two aces by Iuliia Mednikova either side of a kill from the middle by Ekaterina Okorokova for the last three points in the match brought it all home for Russia.

Mednikova was the top scorer of the game with 10 points – the only player across the board to go into double digits, though Okorokova was close behind on 9.

Russia served 12 aces to Ukraine’s 4 and attacked for a very solid 58% (32/55) – though they were outblocked by Ukraine 5 to 7.

While Russia will now be going for back-to-back titles tomorrow against Italy, Ukraine, silver medallists last time around, will have to settle for the bronze medal game against Germany.

ITA v GER

Ruthless Italy obliterate Germany for tickets to Euro final and Tokyo 2020

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Italy hammered Germany 3-0 (25-12, 25-9, 25-23) to make the women’s final of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships while at the same time earning a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The ticket to Tokyo 2020 was in combination with Russia’s win, just some minutes earlier over Ukraine in the other semifinal. With Russia already qualified to the Paralympic Games since last year on the basis of their ranking at the World Championships, Italy are assured to join them in Japan regardless of the result in the European Championships final here tomorrow.

With a lot of pressure from the service line, Italy immediately took control of the game and broke a way for a very quick early lead, which they continued to widen as the first set wore on, for a double-score finish.
Anyone expecting Germany to balance out the play was disappointed, as the Azzurre continued their relentless serving creating havoc in the German reception, while fully dominating on the net and pushing the Germans into a series of unforced errors. It was certainly double- (and actually almost triple-) score again in the second.

Italy did seem to tone it down a bit in the third and Germany got off to early lead. But at 11-16 Francesca Bosio, absolutely brilliant throughout the game, moved to the service line and delivered back-to-back aces to brig it all level at 16-16.

It was just a matter of keeping up for Italy from there on, and when it was all down to the wire at 23-23 in the third, Eva Ceccatelli served an ace and then set up Bosio for the final block that clinched the deal.

Bosio was awesome today, scoring 25 points and delivering 15 of Italy’s 25 aces, while libero @Silvia Biasi did an amazing job in reception and setting up the plays that led to Italy’s triumph.

It was the first defeat in this tournament for Germany, who now have to play for consolation bronze against Ukraine on Saturday.

SLO v HUN

Slovenia close in on 5th place with win over hosts Hungary

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Slovenia are within touching distance of 5th place at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championships after their latest win, 3-0 (25-11, 25-23, 25-12) in the 5-9 pool.

This time it was Suzana Ocepek with 13 and captain Lena Gabrscek with 12 that brought in the points for Slovenia, who served 23 aces – 8 by Danica Gosna alone who only came on off the bench in the third set.

The win leaves Slovenia undefeated at the top of the pool standings on a 3-0 record, but they can only confirm the 5th place on Saturday, when the last matches will be played.

The post Day 5 – Women’s match reports appeared first on 2019 Paravolley Europe.

Serbia go for 5th place after win over the Dutch

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Serbia held off the Netherlands for a 3-1 (25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-19) win, here on Friday morning, that puts the Balkan side in position to fight for 5th place in the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships.

Dragisa Zoric scored a match high of 17 points for Serbia, though the Netherlands’ Geert van den Heuvel was close on his heels with 16. The Serbs outplayed the Dutch in all scoring skills, though lagged just a little bit in receiving.

In the classification match for 5th place Serbia will meet the winner of the Latvia v Croatia match. The Netherlands will play the loser for 7th place.

LAT v CRO

Croatia go for 5th place after shutting out Latvia

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Croatia remain on track for a fifth-place finish at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships after their 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-19) win over Latvia.

Edvin Zdionica and captain Ivan Cosic were joint top scorers of the game on 17 points each, as Croatia dominated the game across the board, including 12 aces (half of those from Zdionica) and 5 blocks.

Croatia will now challenge Serbia for 5th place on Saturday, while Latvia will meet the Netherlands for 7th place.

POL v HUN

Poland shut out the hosts to grab 11th place

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Poland, once just on the brink of advancing to the quarterfinals, have ranked 11th overall in the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships after wrapping up their campaign with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-22) win over hosts Hungary.

Michal Machowski scored 13 points and Michal Wypych added another 10 for Poland, but the match high came from Robert Kertesz who bagged 18 for Hungary.

The Poles proved more successful on the net with 8 blocks to 3 and a 50% attacking efficiency (27/54) to 31% (22/72).

The result leaves Hungary 12th in the final ranking of the 2019 European Championships.

LTU v TUR

Turkey seal 9th place and secure ticket to Division A for 2021

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Turkey secured their ticket to Division A of the 2021 European Championships after their win here on Friday evening 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 25-21, 25-23) that sealed 9th place in the standings of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships.

BIH v UKR

Bosnia & Herzegovina go for 10th European title after making 2019

#EuroSittingVolley final Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Bosnia & Herzegovina vie for their tenth continental title here on Saturday after making the men’s final of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-19) sweep of Ukraine in semifinal action here Friday evening.

Bosnia & Herzegovina will play in a European Championship final again for the first time since 2015, after missing out in 2017 when they claimed the bronze medal. That came after back-to-back titles for the Balkan side since 1999.

Mirzet Duran was the driving force behind Bosnia & Herzegovina’s with 15 points, as his side built up leads in all three sets and left Ukraine trying in vain to catch up. An impenetrable block mostly by Sabahudin Delalic and sub Edin Djino who registered three each from a team total of 12, was instrumental in Bosnia & Herzegovina’s win.

Denys Bytchenko’s match high of 16 points for Ukraine proved too little to make a difference, although the losers did register a more efficient reception.

Bosnia & Herzegovina will now meet Russia in Saturday’s final, a rematch of all four European Championship finals between 2007 and 2013. Ukraine, silver medallists last time around in 2017, will have to settle for the bronze medal match this year, where they meet Germany.

RUS v GER

Russia overpower Germany to make 2019 #EuroSittingVolley final and claim ticket to Tokyo 2020

Budapest, Hungary, 19 July 2019 – Russia are through to the men’s final of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships following a 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-16) win over Germany that also saw them claim a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

With Bosnia & Herzegovina, Russia’s opponent in Saturday’s final having already booked their own ticket to the Paralympics since last year on the basis of their ranking at the World Championships, Russia are now assured to join them in Japan regardless of the result in the European Championships final.

Germany kept up in the scoreline through to about midway into the first set, but the defending champions gradually built up a lead of up to five points.

It was a similar scenario in the second, as Germany simply couldn’t find a solution to Viktor Milenin. Russia built their lead, Germany pulled a few points back to close in to within five 22-17 forcing coach Aleksandr Ovsyannikov to call a timeout – but that was just the extent of Russia’s worries.

It was the same all over again in the third, with Russia once again breaking away half way through the set and Germany just unable to keep the pace set by Milenin and captain Aleksandr Savichev.

Indeed, the pair of them were Russia’s high scorers, with Milenin on 14 and Savichev just one below at 13. Germany’s Dominik Albrecht was joint top scorer of the game, on par with Milenin.

It was Russia’s attacking and receiving that made the difference in the game – all other skills more or less level.

Germany’s men followed the fate of their women’s team who had previously fallen to Italy in the semifinals. They now meet Ukraine in Saturday’s bronze medal match.

The post Day 5 – Men’s match reports appeared first on 2019 Paravolley Europe.

Lithuania break losing streak to stay alive in search for 9th place

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Lithuania put an end to their five-match losing streak, outclassing Poland 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23) to grab a spot in the 9-10 positions playout at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships here Thursday morning.

With 13 points by Darius Ziaucyna plus 12 more each from Ramunas Rojus and captain Eduardas Strasunskas, Lithuania outblocked Poland 9 to 5 and clinched the crucial win despite lagging in the other skills.

The result gives Lithuania, who had previously lost all their pool play matches, a chance to battle it out for 9th place in the final ranking against either Turkey or Hungary.

Poland, reeling on the disappointment of having very narrowly just missed out on a quarterfinal ticket, will now have to play for 11th place against either Hungary or Turkey.

It also means Lithuania are still in with a chance for a direct ticket to the 2021 European Championship, if they can grab the coveted 9th place. Poland will have to play next year in the newly-formed Division B to fight for a place in the next Euros.

HUN v TUR

Turkey grab first win at 2019 #EuroSittingVolley, set sights on 9th place

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – After losing all five of their pool play matches, Turkey scored their first win at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships here today outlasting hosts Hungary 3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-19, 15-9) in the 9-12 positions playoffs.

Mehmet Yilmaz bagged a day’s high of 30 points to lead Turkey, as Hungary’s Robert Kertesz came in just two short, at 28. The two sides were on par in serving, with 10 aces each, but the Balkan side was more efficient in attacking.

Turkey are still in with a chance for a direct ticket to the 2021 European Championship, if they can grab the coveted 9th place in their match tomorrow against Lithuania. Hungary, who now have to play for 11th place against Poland tomorrow here in the Hungarian capital, will be in the newly-formed Division B to fight next year for a place in the 2021 Euros.

BIH v LAT

Bosnia & Herzegovina first through to #EuroSittingVolley men’s semis

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Bosnia & Herzegovina are the first team to make the men’s semifinals at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships, following their quarterfinal win over Latvia 3-0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-18) here on Thursday afternoon.

Ermin Jusufovic and captain Sabahudin Delalic each scored 13 points to lead the 2017 bronze medallists, who outblocked (7 to 2) and outserved Latvia.

Bosnia & Herzegovina will meet the winner of the Ukraine v Croatia match in tomorrow’s semifinal, while Latvia will play the loser of that game for positions 5-8.

RUS v SRB

Russia sweep Serbia to advance to men’s 2019 #EuroSittingVolley semi-finals

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Defending champions Russia claimed the second ticket to the men’s semifinals at the 2019 European Sitting Volleyball European Championships after their 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-17) sweep of Serbia in the quarterfinals here Thursday afternoon.

Viktor Milenin and Aleksandr Baichik each scored 11 points – the only players in the match to go into double digits. Russia’s serving (23 aces) and attacking (32/63 for 51%) was their strong point in their 42-minute win.

Russia will now face the winner of the Germany v the Netherlands match in Friday’s semifinals. Serbia will play against the loser of that match for positions 9-12.

UKR v CRO

Ukraine complete men’s semifinal puzzle at 2019 #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Ukraine completed the men’s semifinals lineup at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with a tight and intense win over Croatia 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-21) in the last of Thursday evening’s quarterfinals.

Denys Bytchenko scored 16 points for the 2017 silver medallists, but the match high was 17 points by Croatia’s Edvin Zdionica. Ukraine lacked in both attacking and blocking, but made up for it with better receiving and serving.

Ukraine meet nine-time European Champions Bosnia & Herzegovina in Friday’s semifinals, while Croatia play Latvia for positions 5-8.

GER v NED

Germany shut out the Netherlands for ticket to semifinals

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Germany made the men’s semfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships cruising past the Netherlands 3-0 (25-10, 25-16, 25-18) in Thursday evening quarterfinal action here.

Dominik Albrecht scored a match high 18 points to lead Germany, who had double the attacking efficiency of the Dutch but also outserved (8 to 4) and outblocked (6 to 3) them.

Germany have a daunting task in the quarterfinals, up against defending champions Russia on Friday. The Netherlands meet Serbia for positions 5-8.

The post Day 4 – Men’s match reports appeared first on 2019 Paravolley Europe.

Defending champs Russia through to women’s semis

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Women’s defending champions Russia are on track to retain their 2017 title, after eliminating hosts Hungary 3-0 (25-14, 25-6, 25-20) in Thursday morning’s quarterfinals.

Iuliia Mednikova once again led the scoring with 14 points, as Russia served a tournament-high 31 aces. Hungary’s Barbara Nebehaj with 11 points was the only other player in the match to go int double digits.

Russia will be up against either Slovenia or Ukraine in Friday’s semifinals with a ticket to Saturday’s final at stake.

Hungary join Great Britain for the 9-12 positions pool, which will also include the losers of the remaining quarterfinals.

GER v FIN

Germany hold off Finland for ticket to women’s semis

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Germany fended off Finland’s advances for a 3-0 (25-10, 27-25, 25-21) in quarterfinal action here on Thursday morning win that sees them through to the semifinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships.

With a match high of 19 points Michelle Schiffler was Germany’s best scorer as the winners dominated all skills throught the match. Finland came from behind in the second, but failed to tie the overall score. The Nordic side also gave it their best shot in the third with narrow leads at times, but again Germany brought in the points when it mattered most.

Germany now play Italy in Friday’s semifinals, for a spot in the grand final on Saturday. Finland will have to play in the consolation round for positions 5-9 alongside Great Britain, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia.

SLO v UKR

Ukraine knock out Slovenia, set up semifinal against Russia

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Ukraine defeated Slovenia 3-0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-18) in the women’s quarterfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here this morning to grab the last remaining ticket to Friday’s semifinals.

Elina Bezprozvanna played only two sets but was Ukraine’s top scorer on a match high of 11 points as her side outserved (12 to 5) and outblocked (7 to 3) Slovenia.

The results sets a semifinal clash tomorrow for Ukraine against Russia in a rematch of the 2017 European Championships final in Porec.

Slovenia will continue in the tournament for places 5-9, alongside Great Britain, Hungary, Croatia and Finland.

ITA v CRO

Italy through to semifinals with sweep of Croatia

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Italy set up a women’s semifinal clash with Germany after shutting out Finland 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-6) in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here Thursday morning.

Francesca Bosio scored 16 points to lead Italy, who served 30 aces (nine each by Roberta Pedrelli and Bosio) to Croatia’s 8. Italy also produced highly more efficient attacking with 18 kills from 37 swings for 49%.

Italy now face Germany in Friday’s semifinals for a ticket to Saturday’s final. Croatia will have to play in the 5-9 pool, alongside Great Britain, Hungary, Finland and Slovenia.

HUN v GBR

Great Britain claim their first set, but fall to Hungary in four

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Great Britain won their first set in the tournament – indeed even came close to forcing a tie-break – before succumbing to Finland 3-1 (25-12, 25-19, 23-25, 27-25) in the opening match of the women’s 5-9 placement pool at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships, here Thursday afternoon.

Hungary were led by Barbara Nebehaj who scored 14 points and Gyulane Szucs who added another 13. Great Britain outblocked Hungary 12 to 5, but the hosts were just that little better in serving with 22 aces to 20 and vastly more efficient in attacking.

SLO v FIN

Slovenia in critical win over Finland for women’s 9-5

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Slovenia secured a critical win in the race for 5th place at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships, beating Finland 3-1 (25-15, 25-11, 19-25, 25-21) in the women’s 5-9 pool here Thursday evening.

With three players scoring in double digits – 15 by Suzana Ocepek, 13 by Jana Ferjan and 11 by captain Lena Gabrscek – Slovenia pressed from the service line for 18 aces (to Finland’s 9), making up for lacking in blocking (only 4 stuffs to Finland’s 10).

CRO v GBR

Croatia survive British attempt at a comeback

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Croatia wrapped up Day 4 at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with a 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17) win over Great Britain in the round-robin pool for women’s poisitions 5-9.

Andreja Giba registered the highest scoring of the day in Budapest with 27 points for Croatia, including 8 aces and 3 blocks. Croatia’s overall serving performance produced 18 aces, to Great Britain’s 10.

Croatia are on a 1-0 record, alongside Slovenia and Hungary. For Britain this was their second loss in the 5-9 pool and 6th overall in the European Championships.

The post Day 4 – Women’s match reports appeared first on 2019 Paravolley Europe.

Germany finish top of Pool with thrilling win over Ukraine

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Germany secured pole position in Men’s Pool A of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championship after squeezing past Ukraine 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23) to stay undefeated after five matches.

Ukraine made a desperate push to come back from two sets down, when they won the third and rallied from 23-20 to close in at 23-23 in the fourth, but Germany pulled together for the deciding last two points of the set.

Led by Dominik Albrecht who scored a match-high 27 points, and with both teams more or less on par in all scoring skills, Germany produced more efficient receiving and proved more successful at the critical moments of the game.

Germany finish top of Pool A to set up a quarterfinal against the Netherlands, the 4th-ranked team of Pool B.

Ukraine, the 2017 European Championship silver medallists, finish second in Pool A and will face the 3rd-ranked team of Pool B.

NED v POL

The Netherlands advance to quarterfinals with epic win over Poland

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – The Netherlands made the men’s quarterfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championship in dramatic fashion here Wednesday, twice coming back from a set down to edge Poland 3-2 (12-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-15, 15-9).

The result leaves Poland out of contention for the medals and resigned to play for positions 9-12, next up against Lithuania. It also sets up a quarterfinal matchup for the Netherlands against Germany.

Captain Loek Hendrix was the Netherlands’ best scorer with 19 points, while Geert van den Heuvel added another 12. But Piotr Sicinski was top scorer of the game with 23 points for Poland.

LAT v LTU

Latvia make quarterfinals with win in Baltic derby

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Latvia secured a spot in the men’s quarterfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships after beating Lithuania 3-0 (25-12, 25-21, 25-15) on Day 3 of the competition here on Wednesday.

Vadims Skoriks scored a match high of 18 points for Latvia while Juris Sprukts and Andrejs Filipavics added another 14 each as the winners dominated across all skills.

Latvia are assured of a place amongst the top four of Pool but their exact position will be determined on Wednesday evening after the Serbia v Hungary match – though the hosts cannot make the Top Eight any more. Lithuania finish pool play winless and will continue for positions 9-12.

CRO v RUS

Russia complete pool play obligations with win over Croatia

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Defending champions Russia wrapped up their pool obligations with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-22) sweep of Croatia in the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship Wednesday here in the Hungarian capital.

Croatia did try to get back in the game in the third set, catching up at 22-22, before Russia made a 3-0 run with a cross-court spike from Aleksandr Baichik followed by two more from captain Aleksandr Savichev.

Viktor Milenin was top scorer of the game on 17 points for Russia, with Savichev following close behind on 16. Both teams had already qualified to the quarterfinals, but Russia’s win means Croatia will face Ukraine tomorrow. The top two spots in Pool B will be mathematically determined after the Bosnia & Herzegovina v Turkey game later this afternoon.

BIH v TUR

Bosnia & Herzegovina complete pool play undefeated

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Bosnia & Herzegovina finished top of their pool undefeated, after overpowering Turkey 3-0 (25-12, 25-8, 25-7) at the close of men’s pool play here on Wednesday evening.

Ermin Jusufovic was top scorer of the game on 13 points as Bosnia & Herzegovina got in 8 aces and 10 blocks, to Turkey’s none of either.

Bosnia & Herzegovina, nine-time European champions, continue in the quarterfinals (but still need the result of the Serbia v Hungary) to find out who their opponent is on Wednesday. Turkey remain winless, but will battle it out for positions 9-12.

SRB v HUN

Serbia down Hungary to complete men’s pool play at #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Serbia shut out hosts Hungary 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-20) to finish third in men’s Pool A as pool play wrapped up at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships.

This sets up a quarterfinal clash for Serbia against defending champions Russia in the knockout stage of the competition that begins Thursday.

Aleksandar Cvijanovic and Drago Jaric shared top-scoring honours with 12 points each for Serbia, while captain Stevan Crnobrnja added another 11. But it was Hungary’s Robert Kertesz who was top scorer of the match with 15 points.

The post Day 3 – Men’s match reports appeared first on 2019 Paravolley Europe.

Russia beat Ukraine to retain perfect record

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Russia practically secured top position in Pool B of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championship after shutting out Ukraine 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-17) here Wednesday morning.

Iuliia Mednikova scored 16 points to lead Russia, who served 23 aces – 13 of those by Mednikova herself.

Russia, the defending champions, are undefeated and on a perfect record and still have one last match to play in the pool, at 17:45 local time (15:45 GMT). But all they need against winless and setless Great Britain is just one set to seal the pole position.

SLO v CRO

Slovenia sails past Croatia to close in on 2nd place in Pool

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Slovenia sailed past Croatia 3-0 (25-13, 25-8, 25-18) to set themselves up for a 2nd place finish in women’s Pool A at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here on Wednesday afternoon.

Suzana Ocepek scored 11 points and Klara Vrabic added 10 more as Slovenia served 23 aces, to Croatia’s 11.

The result has still not mathematically confirmed the placing of teams in the pool standings (which will be finalised later on Wednesday evening after the Germany v Hungary match) ahead of tomorrow’s quarterfinals.

ITA v FIN

Italy confirmed second in pool after victory over Finland

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Italy confirmed their second place in women’s Pool B at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here Wednesday evening, shutting out Finland 3-0 (25-19, 25-8, 25-7) and completing pool play on a 3-1 record.

With 15 points from Francesca Bosio and another 12 from Giulia Aringhieri, Italy totally dominated the game, especially from the service line, serving 26 aces to Finland’s 8.

GBR v RUS

Russia finish pool play undefeated and on perfect record.

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Defending champions Russia remained undefeated at the conclusion of women’s pool play at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championship after a sweep of Great Britain 3-0 (25-19, 25-8, 25-7) here Wednesday evening.

As was the case in their morning game against Croatia, Iuliia Mednikova was top scorer on 14 points. Ekaterina Okorokova added another 12 points for Russia, who served a total of 25 aces (10 of those by Mednikova) and blocked their opponents 11 times.

Russia confirmed pole position from Pool B with an absolutely perfect record, heading into Thursday’s quarterfinals. Great Britain will wait for the quarterfinal losers to join them for the 5-9 pool.

HUN v GER

Germany pull together in 3rd set to finish pool play undefeated

Budapest, Hungary, 17 July, 2019 – Germany’s women staged a remarkable comeback in the third set against hosts Hungary for a clean 3-0 (25-20, 25-8, 25-23) win in the very last match of pool play at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here Wednesday evening.

Trailing at moments by as many as five points, Germany nonetheless got their act together, with Michelle Schiffler scoring 12 points and Sonja Scholten adding another 11. The pressure for Hungary came from German serving, which yielded 17 aces.

The win confirms Germany at the top of the standings in Pool A, with a quarterfinal matchup now set against Finland on Thursday. Hungary finish winless at the bottom of the pool, but continue on Thursday with a quarterfinal against defending champions Russia.

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Ukraine’s women grab second #EuroSittingVolley win with sweep of Finland

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Ukraine improved their record to 2-1 at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championship after shutting out Finland 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-19) at the start of Day 2.

Liudmyla Lozko, Oleksandra Podliesna and captain Elina Bezprozvanna were joint top scorers of the game, each contributing nine points to Ukraine’s win, while Olena Manankova scored six of the winners’ 23 aces.

Ukraine temporarily moved to the top of the Pool B standings – though Russia and Italy are still undefeated. Finland have dropped to 1-2.

ITA v GBR

Italy get second Women’s #EuroSittingVolley win

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Italy remain undefeated at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championship after cruising past Great Britain 3-0 (25-5, 25-14, 25-16) on Day 2 of the competition here Tuesday.

With 8 points from Giulia Bellandi, Sara Desini and Giulia Aringhieri Italy completely dominated the game from start to finish with the bulk of scoring coming from their 21 aces (to Great Britain’s 6).

Italy are now 2-0, at the top of Pool B, building up towards a clash with defending champions Russia (1-0) later today at 17:30 local time (15:30 GMT). Great Britain, meanwhile, drop to 0-3 with one match remaining in pool play, tomorrow against Russia.

GER v CRO

German ladies stay undefeated with win over Croatia

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Germany keep a perfect record after two matches in the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championships with a clear 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-11) over Croatia here on Tuesday afternoon.

Captain Mandy Kuesel scored 11 points and Michelle Schiffler 11 to lift Germany to victory, as the winners dominated the game throughout and put on the pressure from the service line with 18 aces.

Germany are now the only undefeated team in Pool A after two matches, with Croatia dropping to 1-1.

RUS v ITA

Russia on track for pole position in women’s #EuroSittingVolley pool play

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Russia remain undefeated in Pool B of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Women’s European Championship after thundering past Italy 3-0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-13).

Olga Arbatskaia scored the day’s high of 11 points (to match the performance of Germany’s Mandy Kuesel earlier against Croatia) to lead Russia, who only trailed briefly at the start of the first set.

The defending champions prevailed in serving with 14 aces to 3 and also dominated in all skills. Russia are now 2-0, at the top of the standings in Pool B. For Italy it was their first defeat in three matches and they have now dropped to second place on a 2-1 record.

HUN v SLO

Slovenia triumph over Hungary to set sights on 2nd place in pool

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Slovenia grabbed their first win at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with a clean sweep of hosts Hungary 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-13) to wrap up women’s action on Day 2 of the competition here Tuesday evening.

Suzana Ocepek was top scorer of Slovenia with a match-high 9 points, but scoring for the winners was well-distributed with every single Slovenia player appearing on the list.

It was the serving that made the difference, with Slovenia registering 19 aces (6 from Ocepak alone) to Hungary’s 5. Slovenia are now 1-1, on par with Croatia, and the two will clash tomorrow to decide second place in Pool A. Hungary remain winless after two matches.

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Poland’s men get first win at 2019 #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Poland scored their first win at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships, shutting out Turkey 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-12) as Day 2 of the competition opened here Tuesday morning.

Led by Michal Machowski who contributed a match-high 14 points, Poland served 16 aces (half of those by Machowski himself) to Turkey’s two. The result leaves Turkey winless after three matches, as Poland advance to 1-2.

UKR v HUN

Ukraine’s men sweep Hungary to stay undefeated

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Ukraine remain undefeated after three matches following their solid 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-11) win over hosts Hungary on Day 2 of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship here in the Hungarian capital.

Denys Bytchenko scored 12 points and Roman Pryshchepa added another 10 – the only two players across both teams to score in double digits. Again it was the serving that pushed Ukraine to the win, with 20 aces to Hungary’s three.

Ukraine, the 2017 European Championship silver medallists, are top of the table in Pool A on a 3-0 record, though Germany (2-0) are also undefeated in this pool. The two are set to meet tomorrow, on the last day of pool play at these European Championships.

LAT v SRB

Serbia improve their record, leave Latvia winless

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Serbia secured their second win at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship here today, holding off Latvia 3-1 (25-21, 25-14, 22-25, 25-22).

With Stevan Crnobrnja scoring a match-high 18 points and Dragisa Zoric another 17, Serbia were just that little bit better than Latvia in all scoring skills, with 12 to 7 blocks, 14 to 11 aces and 46% to 41% in attacking efficiency.

The win pushes the Balkan side to a 2-1 record in Pool A, leaving the Baltic side winless after three matches.

BIH v RUS

Bosnia & Herzegovina bring defending champions Russia crashing down

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Nine-times European champions Bosnia & Herzegovina prevailed over defending champions Russia 3-0 (28-26, 27-25, 25-23) in the tightest scoring so far at the 2019 Men’s Sitting Volleyball European Champions.

Nizam Čančar with 12 points Safet Alibaši with 11 led the scoring for the Balkan side, though Viktor Milenin was by a wide margin top scorer of the game with 25 points Russia who also had captain Aleksandr Savichev contributing another 17.

There was not much to separate the two sides. Bosnia & Herzegovina had a slight edge in blocking (9 to 6) and receiving (70% to 53%), but Russia were just that little bit more efficient in serving (10 aces to 5) and attacking (39% to 32%).

What clinched the match, though, was the 37 points Russia gifted to Bosnia & Herzegovina, compared to the just nine that went the other way round. Bosnia & Herzegovina remain undefeated after three matches and head the standings of Pool, with Russia suffering their first defeat in this tournament and dropping to second place on a 2-1 record – though the two teams are on track to potentially meet again in the knockout stage of the European Championship.

LTU v GER

Germany still on perfect record after sweep of Lithuania

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Germany remain undefeated and still on a perfect record at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships after overwheling Lithuania 3-0 (25-6, 25-9, 25-13) in the men’s competition.

Francis Tonleu scored a match-high 12 points to lead the Germans who never put in doubt the outcome of the game.

Germany are now 3-0 at the top of Pool A alongside Ukraine and the two sides do not meet until tomorrow morning. Lithuania are left winless at the bottom of the table together with Latvia.

NED v CRO

Croatia shut out the Dutch, move up in standings

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Croatia shut out the Netherlands 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-17) at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships here Tuesday afternoon for their second win so far in the tournament.

Ivan Cosic with 15 points and Edvin Zdionica with 13 led the scoring for Croatia, who overpowered the Dutch in blocking (12 to 7) and serving (4 aces to 1) but also produced more efficient attacking (46% to 30%).

Croatia are now 2-1 in the standings of Pool B, but the Netherlands have dropped to 1-2 after three matches.

POL v BIH

Bosnia & Herzegovina unstoppable at Men’s #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – After their win over defending champions Russia earlier in the day, nine-time European Champions Bosnia & Herzegovina followed up with yet another sweep – their victim this time Poland who fell 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13).

It was a summary procedure as Ermin Jusufovic took charge of the scoring with 14 points and Armin Sehic added another 10 for Bosnia & Herzegovina who blocked their way to victory with 11 stuffs to Poland’s one.

Bosnia & Herzgovina are top of Pool B without having dropped a single set so far in their four matches. Poland, on the other hand, have dropped to 1-3.

HUN v LAT

Latvia grab first win at Men’s #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Latvia scored their first victory in the competition, taking down hosts Hungary 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-18) as Day 2 of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship continue here on Tuesday afternoon.

Andrejs Filipavics was Latvia’s leading scorer on 12 points, but it was Hungary’s Robert Kertesz who registered a match-high of 14. The Baltic side were highly more efficient in attacking but also benefited from 37 unforced errors committed by the hosts.

Latvia have nough caught up with Hungary in the standings of Pool A – both on 1-3 records.

GER v SRB

Germany drop first set, but stay undefeated in Men’s #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Germany are still undefeated after four matches at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship following their 3-1 (25-16, 25-22, 25-27, 25-15) win over Serbia here Tuesday evening.

Serbia’s third set broke Germany’s perfect record thus far in the competition, but was not enough to really threaten the eventual winners. Alexander Schiffler scored 20 points to lead Germany, with Dominik Albrecht adding another 13.

Dragis Zoris and captain Stevan Crnobrnja were joint best scorers of Serbia, who dominated the blocking (9 to 1), but gave away 39 points from unforced errors. Germany remain undefeated after four matches at the top of Pool A alongside Ukraine, while Serbia drop to 2-2, in third place.

TUR v CRO

Croatia improve record with 3-0 win over Turkey

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Croatia shut out Turkey 3-0 (25-11, 25-9, 25-16) for their third win in four matches at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships here Tuesday evening.

Ivan Cosic was top scorer of the game with 10 points, as Croatia served a total of 15 aces to Turkey’s 3.

The win brings Croatia temporarily to second place in Pool B on a 3-1 record, behind undefeated Ukraine. After four matches, Turkey are still seeking their first win.

RUS v NED

Russia bounce back with win over the Netherlands

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Russia’s men bounced back after this morning’s defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-17) sweep of the Netherlands to wrap up Day at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championship.

Aleksandr Baichik scored 10 points to lead the defending champions, but the match high was 11 points by the Netherlands captain Loek Hendrix. Russia served 16 aces to the Netherlands’ 7 and was also more efficient in attacking.

Russia have now gone 3-1, on par with Croatia who they play on Wednesday to decide second place in Pool B. Bosnia & Herzegovina lead the pool undefeated after four matches.

LTU v UK

Ukraine keep perfect record with Lithuania win

Budapest, Hungary, 16 July, 2019 – Ukraine jumped to the top of the standings in Pool A of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-9) win over Lithuania here Tuesday evening.

Denys Bytchenko emerged top scorer of the game with 10 points and while Ukraine were outblocked 8 to 4, they made up for it with a 59% (34/58) to 35% (12/34) attacking efficiency.

Ukraine are now 4-0 at the top of Pool A on a perfect record, just above Germany who are also undefeated but on a worse set ratio. The two go head-to-head on Wednesday to decide first place in the pool. Lithuania remain winless after four matches.

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Russia begin defence of men’s #EuroSittingVolley title with solid win

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July, 2019 – Defending champions Russia began their quest to defend the men’s continental title with an emphatic win 3-0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-10) over Turkey on the opening day of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championship.

Two players scored in double digits for Russia, with Viktor Milenin bringing in 11 points and captain Aleksandr Savichev contributing another 10.

Turkey outblocked Russia 8 to 4, but distinctly lacked in attacking efficiency, converting only four of their 32 attacks (for 12%), compared to Russia’s 37/56 (66%).

Russia have another game coming up today, when they take on Poland at 16:15 local time (14:15 GMT). Turkey play again, against the Netherlands, at 19:30 (17:30 GMT).

HUN v GER

Germany overwhelm hosts on opening day of 2019 #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July, 2019 – Germany dealt hosts Hungary a blow with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-16) sweep, as the two sides got their 2019 European Sitting Volleyball Championship campaigns rolling here today.

Alexander Schiffler with 14 points and Dominik Albrecht with 13 spearheaded the German onslaught and put on the pressure from the service line producing eight aces (three from Schiffler alone), as Hungary struggled with reception and subsequently suffered with their attacking.

Hungary play again today at 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT), when they entertain Lithuania. Germany’s next game is also later today, against Latvia at 18:00 (16:00 GMT).

SRB v LTU

Serbia overwhelm Lithuania from the service line

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July, 2019 – Serbia outlasted Lithuania 3-1 (25-12, 22-25, 25-10, 25-15) in the only match so far to go to more than three sets on the opening day of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships.

Dragisa Zoric scored a tournament high of 24 points, including 14 aces, to lead the winners, as Serbia destroyed Lithuania from the service line. Captain Stevan Crnobrnja added another 19 points for the Balkan side, with four of his team’s 13 blocks.

Serbia play again at 19:45 local time (17:45 GMT) when they meet Ukraine in the last match of the day in Budapest. Lithuania meet Hungary a little earlier, at 16:00 (14:00 GMT) with both teams looking for their first win.

POL v CRO

Croatia wipe out Poland in #EuroSittingVolley start

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Croatia denied Poland double-digit scoring in any set as they opened their 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships with a thundering 3-0 (25-8, 25-9, 25-8) wipeout on the first day of competition here in the Hungarian capital.

Captain Ivan Cosic dominated play from the Croatian side with a match-high 20 points, including five blocks. The blocking was Croatia’s strong point who scored from 10 stuffs to Poland’s just one.

Croatia next face Bosnia & Herzegovina at 19:15 local time (17:15 GMT) when something has to give as both sides enter the game undefeated. Poland play Russia at 16:00 (14:00 GMT).

UKR v LAT

Ukraine sweep Latvia for opening win at #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Ukraine shut out Latvia 3-0 (25-8, 25-18, 25-19) for a sweeping start to their 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship campaign.

Denys Bytchenko and captain Sergii Shevchenko were Ukraine’s top scorers with 10 points each. The winners applied pressure from the service line, which yielded 13 aces (five from Shevchenko alone) and were highly more efficient in attacking.

Ukraine play again later today in the last match of the opening day in Budapest, when they meet Serbia at 19:45 local time (17:45 GMT). One of the two sides will have to concede their first defeat in this game. Latvia are next up against Germany at 18:00 (16:00 GMT).

BIH v NED

Bosnia & Herzegovina off on track with win over Dutch

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Nine times European champions Bosnia & Herzegovina outplayed the Netherlands 3-0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-21) to stay on track in their quest to regain the continental title they lost last time around.

All twelve Bosnian players saw action on the court, with Safet Alibasic leading the way and scoring a match-high 12 points. The Balkan side dominated with their serving which produced eight aces, to just one of the Dutch.

Bosnia & Herzegovina later today meet Croatia, at 19:15 local time (17:15 GMT), while the Netherlands face Turkey at 19:30 (17:30 GMT).

POL v RUS

Russia stay undefeated with second win of the day

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Defending champions Russia remain undefeated and advance to a 2-0 record after beating Poland 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) on the opening day of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship.

Earlier this morning Russia had opened their campaign with a sweep of Turkey. Poland, who earlier today lost to Croatia, are still seeking their first win in the competition.

With 14 points from Denys Shestakov and 12 from Viktor Milenin, Russia piled on the pressure with their serving, for a total of 17 aces – eight of those from Shestakov.

HUN v LTU

Epic first win for Hungary in thrilling tie-break over Lithuania

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Hosts Hungary thrilled their fans with a nail-biting 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 21-25, 25-13, 15-10) win over Lithuania here today on the opening day of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship.

Hungary twice found themselves trailing by a set, but equalised on both counts and forced the tie-break which they dominated from the start, switching sides with a five-point advantage and keeping their lead to bring it home.

Robert Kertesz scored a tournament-high of 45 points, including four aces and four blocks, to lead Hungary who managed to outlast Lithuania despite conceding as many as 48 unforced errors.

It was Hungary’s first win in the competition, after their defeat in the morning of the opening day today to Germany. Lithuania, who had earlier lost to Serbia, have now dropped to 0-2 and are still after their first win.

GER v LAT

Germany lead Pool A undefeated after win over Latvia

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Germany have secured an early lead in the standings of Pool A, after sweeping Latvia 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-13) on the opening day of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship here today.

Led by Torben Schiewe who scored 18 points and Martin Vogel who added another 16, Germany outserved Latvia 18-2, with seven of the aces coming from Vogel.

The win keeps Germany (winners in the morning over Hungary) undefeated after two matches and at the top of the standings in Pool A, while Latvia (who earlier had also lost to Ukraine) drop to 0-2, at the bottom of the table.

CRO v BIH

Bosnia & Herzegovina on perfect record after Croatia win

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Bosnia & Herzegovina registered their second sweep of the day at the start of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships shutting out Croatia 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-13).

The win means Bosnia & Herzegovina (who had defeated the Netherlands earlier in the day) retain a perfect record after two matches and join Russia at the top of the standings in Pool B. Croatia (who had downed Poland this morning) dropped to 1-1.

Nizam Cancar (12), Safet Alibasic (11) and Ermin Jusufovic (10) all scored in double digits to lift Bosnia & Herzegovina to victory, though Croatia captain Ivan Cosic was top scorer of the game on 14 points.

SRB v UKR

Ukraine shut out Serbia for early lead in standings

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2019 – Ukraine scored their second victory of the opening day at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championships Monday evening with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-18 25-14) sweep of Serbia to retain a perfect record.

After two matches Ukraine (who had earlier in the day defeated Latvia) are now on a 2-0 record, on par with Germany at the top of the standings in Pool A. Serbia (who this morning had edged Lithuania) have now dropped to 1-1.

Maksym Petrenchuk was top scorer of Ukraine with a match-high 9 points. Ukraine outserved Serbia 13 aces to six to counter for the Balkan side’s superior blocking of 6 to 1.

TUR v NED

Dutch grab first win at #EuroSittingVolley

Budapest, Hungary, 15 July 2015 – The Netherlands scored their first victory of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball Men’s European Championship, shutting out Turkey 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-13) at the close of the opening day of the competition here Monday.

The Dutch advance now to 1-1, following their morning defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Turkey, who had previously lost to Russia, remain winless.

Captain Loek Hendrix led the Netherlands with 21 points, including four aces, as the winners remained in control of the game throughout, taking early leads in all three sets and keeping Turkey at bay.

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