CSKA volleyball players won the jubilee 25th edition of the "Boris Gyuderov" Cup tournament in Pernik, after finishing with the best record in the final standings. The "Army men" suffered a 2:3 defeat in their last match of the competition against Montana, but despite this, they remained out of reach for their rivals and clinched the trophy.
Levski's men's team, which was entirely comprised of youth players, fought hard against Minyor but lost 2:3 (25:18, 16:25, 25:20, 23:25, 10:15) in their last match of the "Boris Gyuderov" memorial tournament in Pernik.
The head coach rested captain Svetoslav Gotsev, world vice-champion Stoil Palev, Todor Skrimov, Gordan Lyutskanov, Lazar Buchkov, and Julian Weizig against the hosts.
The most effective player was middle blocker Nikolay Nikolaev with 17 points (1 ace, 1 block). Opposite hitter Dimitar Peychinov added 15 points (5 aces, 2 blocks). Middle blocker Martin Totkov and outside hitter Nikola Konstantinov contributed 14 (2 aces, 1 block) and 13 (3 aces, 2 blocks) respectively.
Skrimov was named the best player for Levski's team in the tournament, and Peychinov, who turns 17 in 5 days, became the most promising player of the entire competition.
📊 Final Standings of the Tournament
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1. | CSKA |
| 2. | Minyor (Pernik) |
| 3. | Levski Sofia |
| 4. | Montana |
CSKA's victory came after a stable performance and key successes against its main rivals. Minyor impressed as hosts and was close to triumph, but the defeat to the "Army men" proved decisive. Levski's team, which joined the tournament to prepare for the upcoming Super Cup matches, showed potential for the future, and Montana, despite finishing fourth, demonstrated the most dramatic matches and fighting spirit.
In the most contested match of the tournament, Montana's team, led by Daniel Peev, prevailed over CSKA with a 3:2 (21:25, 14:25, 25:12, 25:19, 15:10) victory after an impressive comeback.
The Army men started the match like champions – with total domination and a 2:0 game lead. In the first set, they established control after the middle of the part, despite strong pressure from the opponent, and in the second, they were undisputed, leaving their opponent with only 14 points.
After the break, however, the Montanans showed a completely different face – aggressive in attack and stable in defense, they took an 8:1 lead in the third set and brought back the intrigue. The fourth set was again under their control, and in the tie-break, they demonstrated coolness and concentration, taking an 8:4 lead and not allowing their opponent to get close.
CSKA demonstrated stability and team spirit, which brought them the title despite the loss in the last match.
Minyor leveraged their home advantage and remained a major contender until the very end.
Levski gave a chance to its young talents, who gained valuable experience against elite opponents.
Montana, despite a weak start, showed character and finished the tournament with a prestigious victory over the champion.
The tournament in Pernik once again proved that it remains one of the most important events in the preseason calendar of Bulgarian volleyball. The jubilee edition offered everything \u2013 from spectacular comebacks to strategic battles and an opportunity for young players to establish themselves on the scene. CSKA deservedly triumphed, but the most valuable outcome of the tournament is the confidence that all participants will carry into the upcoming season.
The best setter of the tournament was the 'reds'' playmaker \u2013 Vicente Fort.
During the opening of the tournament, jersey number 8 was permanently retired from play,which was worn by volleyball player Boris Gyuderov.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
