Halkbank (Ankara), led by Radostin Stoychev, started the new season in the Turkish Efeler League with a victory. The capital team defeated Galatasaray at home with a score of 3:1 (23:25, 25:20, 27:25, 25:23) in a match from the first round of the championship.
Bulgarian international Denislav Bardarov started as a regular and played all four sets, finishing with 14 points. The outside hitter scored 13 points from attack from 28 attempts (46% success rate and 32% efficiency) and added one ace. From 23 received serves, he recorded 52% positive and 22% perfect reception, making two errors.
The match also pitted two well-known specialists in Bulgaria against each other – Radostin Stoychev at the helm of Halkbank and the Italian Andrea Gardini, who coaches Galatasaray.
The guests started better and won the first set 25:23. Halkbank responded convincingly in the second part, which they closed at 25:20.
The third set proved crucial for the final outcome. The two teams fought a fierce battle, but the hosts showed stronger nerves in the final rallies and snatched the set 27:25. The fourth set also offered an evenly matched game, before Halkbank put an end to the dispute at 25:23.
The most productive player for the winners was Brazilian international Darlan Ferreira with 29 points, of which 25 were from attack and 4 aces. The opposite hitter finished with 60% attack efficiency from 42 attempts. Matey Kaziyski added 12 points, including two blocks.
For Galatasaray, Canadian outside hitter Stephen Maar and opposite hitter Can Koc scored 18 points each. Cuban middle blocker Roamy Alonso distinguished himself with 6 successful blocks and a total of 11 points.
Statistics show a serious superiority of Halkbank in attack – 56 against 48 successful attacks, as well as in serving – 7 against 5 aces. Galatasaray, however, dominated in blocking with 11 against only 5 points.
The victory brought Halkbank their first three points in the new championship, and for Denislav Bardarov, the successful start is a continuation of his strong performances in the pre-season preparation.
photos:halkbankspor
