Aleksandr Nikolov’s decisive kill from the right flank sealed Bulgaria’s 25-19, 25-14, 18-25, 23-25, 15-13 victory over Slovenia on Monday in Pool E action of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The win marked Bulgaria’s second straight triumph, sending them through to the elimination round alongside Canada and Turkey.
– Advertisement –
The 21-year-old Nikolov delivered a stellar performance, firing 26 points built on 23 attacks, a block, and two aces in the grueling 119-minute clash. His crucial ace, followed by a reception error from Slovenia, allowed Bulgaria to pull ahead 13-11 in the decisive set before he delivered the final blow.
In Group G, Canada also secured its spot in the next round after dispatching Japan, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22. Opposite hitter Sharone Vernon-Evans spearheaded the attack with a match-high 14 points, capping his effort with a game-winning block.
Over at the Araneta Coliseum, the Netherlands also notched their second win in Group B, edging Romania in straight sets, 25-23, 26-24, 26-24. Dutch opposite Michiel Ahyi led the charge with a match-best 19 points, including five aces, while teammate Tom Koops chipped in 13 points.
Earlier in the day, Turkey overcame a second-set stumble before pulling away from Libya, 25-18, 23-25, 25-14, 25-16, to strengthen its elimination-round bid. Middle blocker Bülbül Bedirhan anchored the Turkish effort with an all-around performance of 11 kills, three aces, and two blocks.
– Advertisement –