Porto San Giorgio. Bulgarian nationals Adrian Ganev and Nikola Gradinarov were included in the ideal team of the U18 European Championship in Italy. Ganev was recognized as one of the two best middle blockers of the championship, and Gradinarov earned the award for best outside hitter after his strong performance throughout the tournament and his key role in Bulgaria's bronze medals.
Poland won the European title, beating France 3:1 (22:25, 25:23, 28:26, 25:21) in the final. The Poles had to catch up after losing the first set, but they showed character and turned the match around. The third set was particularly dramatic, which they snatched 28:26, thus taking the initiative in the match. In the fourth set, Jacek Nawrocki's players controlled the events and deservedly reached the European title. Adam Potempa was the top scorer for the champions with 24 points, and Karol Leppert added another 19. For France, Antonin Bonnar scored 18 points, and Matteo Mrozek finished with 16.
Earlier in the day, Bulgaria won the bronze medals after a decisive 3:0 (25:19, 25:19, 25:23) victory over host Italy.

Ideal Team of the U18 European Championship:

• MVP: Jakub Przybylkowicz (Poland)

• Best Setter: Jakub Przybylkowicz (Poland)

• Best Opposite Hitter: Adam Potempa (Poland)

• Best Middle Blockers: Marcel Bernikowicz (Poland),Adrian Ganev (Bulgaria)

  

• Best Outside Hitters: Matteo Mrozek (France),Nikola Gradinarov (Bulgaria)

  

• Best Libero: Corentin Agnez (France)

photos: Nikolay Varadinov