Sungurlu, with Kaloyan Balabanov, lost away to Gebze with a score of 0:3 (19:25, 19:25, 12:25) in the second round of the Turkish Efeler League. The match on October 24 lasted 88 minutes.
The Bulgarian outside hitter started as a starter in the third set and remained without a point. Balabanov received four balls in attack, making one error, and two of his shots were blocked. With four serves received, he recorded one error and had no positive reception.
The most effective player for the winners was Czech international Marek Sotola with 14 points - 10 from attack with 53% success rate, two aces, and two blocks. Gökhan Gökgöz added 13 points, and Aykut Acar distinguished himself with five blocks and a total of 10 points.
The home team's play was organized by experienced Finnish setter Eemi Tervaportti, who participated in the third-place match at EuroVolley 2026, where he replaced the injured Fyodor Ivanov. Tervaportti contributed with two aces and one block to Gebze's victory. His compatriot, national team player Luka Marttila, finished with nine points and a 60% success rate in attack.
For Sungurlu, the most effective player was American international Kyle Ensing with 13 points, all from attack, with a 52% success rate. The participant in the Tokyo Olympic Games and French champion with Saint-Nazaire in 2024 was the only player for the visitors with a double-digit score.
Dmitry Bahov, Bulgarian champion with Marek Union-Ivkooni, and Adi Osmanović, who returned to the team after playing for Neftochimic 2010 (Burgas) last season, did not appear in the game for Gebze.