Metalurg (Pernik) suffered a second consecutive loss in the Balkan Volleyball Cup in Kalamata (Greece). The Bulgarian representative lost to the Turkish Istanbul Genclik with a score of 0:3 (16:25, 19:25, 17:25) and remains without a win in the competition, whose winner will qualify for the European Challenge Cup.
The squad of Istanbul Genclik this season includes the Bulgarian youth national player Ognyan Hristov, who, however, was not in the group for the match against Metalurg. The reason for his absence is unknown.
The Pernik team experienced serious difficulties in attack, where they finished with only 32% success rate against 56% for their opponent. The Turkish team also had an advantage in blocks - 11 against 7, as well as in direct service points - 6 against 3.
The most effective player for Metalurg was the Tunisian outside hitter Hamza Hfaied with 14 points, including three blocks. Konstantin Manolev added 8 points, Krasimir Mitev finished with 6, and Mariyan Nakov scored 4.
For the winners, Dutchman Dick Kooy and Hungarian opposite Krisztian Padar distinguished themselves with 16 points each. Yasin Aydin added 10 points, and Bertug Yondes - 6.
Istanbul Genclik recorded a second 3:0 victory in Kalamata, after defeating Kosovo's Luboteni in their opening match. Metalurg, on the other hand, lost with the same result in their first match against the hosts Kalamata 1980.
In their last match of the tournament, the Pernik team will face Luboteni on October 19 at 17:00 Bulgarian time. The Turkish team will play against Kalamata 1980 in a match that could be decisive for first place.