Bosnia, Russia swipe sitting volleyball European titles

The Bosnians went undefeated in the tournament, and in a rematch of the 2011 European Championships, they beat Russia 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 30-38) to easily claim another gold.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s men’s sitting volleyball team followed up their Paralympic title from last year with a European title at last weekend’s 2013 European ParaVolley Championships, as Russia won a surprise gold on the women’s side.

Men

The Bosnians went undefeated in the tournament, and in a rematch of the 2011 European Championships, they beat Russia 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 30-38) to easily claim another gold. The winning squad was led by Safet Alibasic and Adnan Kesmer, who were named Best Spiker and Best Libero of the tournament, respectively.

Germany finished in third place after defeating Ukraine 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-21) in the bronze-medal game.

Russia’s Victor Milenin was named MVP of the men’s tournament.

Final standings

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina

2. Russia

3. Germany

4. Ukraine

5. Netherlands

6. Poland

7. Croatia

8. Great Britain

9. Serbia

10. Hungary

11. Azerbaijan

12. Latvia

13. Lithuania

Women

Russia took the glory on the women’s side, but only after going back and forth with Paralympic bronze medallists Ukraine in the gold-medal final before they won it 3-2 (25-16, 20-25, 25-23, 16-25, 10-15). Tatiana Ivanova of Russia was named the tournament’s MVP and Best Setter, while her teammate Irina Smirnova was named Best Blocker.

Slovenia defeated the Netherlands for bronze in another 3-2 decision (16-25, 25-16, 25-17, 26-24, 13-15).

Final standings

1. Russia

2. Ukraine

3. Slovenia

4. Netherlands

5. Germany

6. Finland

7. Hungary

8. Poland

9. Croatia