Bulgarian outside hitter Vladimir Garkov played a brilliant match, leading Saint-Nazaire Volley Atlantique to a dramatic 3:2 (19:25, 27:25, 25:16, 23:25, 15:8) victory over Chaumont Volley 52 – the team coached by the legendary Italian Silvano Prandi, former head coach of the Bulgarian national team.
Garkov was the hosts' leader with 24 points, including 1 ace, achieving 58% attack efficiency, 53% positive reception, and 37% perfect reception. His efficiency rating was +15 (an indicator of his overall contribution to the match).
Alongside him, Caleb Genesse performed excellently with 20 points, and German international Philipp John added another 13.
For the visitors from Chaumont, Alexandros Raptis was the top scorer with 22 points, while Dutchman Twan Wiltenburg and Estonian Alex Saaremaa finished with 13 points each.
Spanish setter Jaime Arjones was named MVP of the match, after orchestrating Saint-Nazaire's play with composure and excellent attack choices throughout the entire game.
After five rounds played, Saint-Nazaire has two wins and two more points in their tally, placing them ninth in the French Ligue A. Chaumont, who still has no wins, remains in the last position.
In the next round, Saint-Nazaire will host Tourcoing Volley Métropole, led by another Bulgarian – Veni Antov. The match promises to be a true Bulgarian derby in the French Superliga, as Garkov and Antov face each other for the first time this season.
