Bulgarian international Dimitar Dimitrov experienced a sharp turnaround in his form and led OK Savings Bank to a convincing 3:0 victory over the reigning champion Hyundai Capital, thus solidifying the team's ambitions for participation in the playoffs of the Korean V-League for men.
Just days earlier, the 26-year-old opposite hitter was among the most seriously discussed candidates for replacement among the foreign players in the championship. The reason – hesitant play in attack and low efficiency, which did not meet the expectations for a volleyball player with the resume of a Bulgarian national. Head coach Shin Young-chul even publicly expressed disappointment after the 1:3 loss to KEPCO, when Dimitrov scored only 10 points and finished the match with 23.3% attack success rate.
A complete change against the champion.
Against Hyundai Capital, however, Dimitrov showed a completely different face. The Bulgarian was the engine of OK Savings Bank in the three sets, which ended in a clean 3:0 victory, scoring 17 points – just two less than the opponent's star Leonardo Leyva Martinez (Leo).
More important were the numbers behind his performance. Dimitrov achieved a 61.9% attack success rate, his highest for the season, and attack errors were reduced to just three
– a minimum for him this campaign. Thus, his attack efficiency reached an impressive 57.1%, which proved crucial against a team that won a treble in the 2024/2025 season and is closely behind the leader Korean Air.
Significance for the playoff battle.
After this success, OK Savings Bank, which finished last season in last place, climbed to fifth position with 31 points. The difference to third-placed KB Insurance – the threshold for playoff participation – is just three points, making the dream of “spring volleyball ” entirely realistic.
Coach's recognition.
After the match, watched by 4,070 spectators at the Gangseo Hall in Busan, coach Shin Young-chul did not hide his satisfaction:
"Dimitrov performed excellently, and when he plays like that, everything else goes smoother. He attacked smartly into the corners, his movement was fluid. If he continues this way, everything will be fine. I can only say – well done."
From "ugly duckling" to "swan"
– this is how Korean media described the Bulgarian's transformation. Now, attention is focused on whether Dimitar Dimitrov will establish himself as a consistent decisive factor for OK Savings Bank and lead the team to the long-awaited playoff participation.
photos: COVO
