Defending champions Perusic and Schweiner dominate in World Championship debut
The pressure of starting their title defense at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship didn faze Czech stars Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner, who on Saturday claimed their first victory in the tournament in a compelling way.
The two-time Olympians were faced with Togo Koffi Kotoka and Kuamivi Samani in their first match in Adelaide and gave them no chance, securing an undisputable 2-0 (21-5, 21-11) victory.
The most loop-sided victory in the men tournament so far in Australia puts the Europeans in a strong position to advance to the next round out of Pool H, which also includes Latvians Martins Plavins and Kristians Fokerots and Americans Andy Benesh and Miles Partain.
Pool H Action
These teams also met in the first round on Saturday, and the Latvians came out on top, winning 2-0 (22-20, 21-17). With that, Perusic and Schweiner will qualify if they beat the Americans in their second pool match on Sunday.
First Teams to Qualify
While Pool H was among the ones having their first matches held on Saturday, others completed round two in the second day of matches in Adelaide, resulting in the qualification of the first teams to the elimination rounds. In Pool G, those teams were Sweden Jacob Holting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson and France Teo Rotar and Arnaud Gauthier-Rat, which both claimed their second victories in Australia.
The Swedish confirmed their presence in the next round with a solid 2-0 (21-14, 21-13) victory over the English Bello twins Javier and Joaquin.
The French had a little more trouble securing their spots, but eventually did it, defeating Australians Ben Hood and Oliver Merritt 2-1 (21-18, 21-23, 15-12).
Pool A Results
Pool A also has two undefeated teams, which are both guaranteed to be in the next round. Norwegian superstars Anders Mol and Christian Sorum are one of them after they downed Swiss Adrian Heidrich and Jonathan Jordan 2-0 (21-18, 21-16). Swiss Marco Krattiger and Leo Diller are also through, thanks to their 2-0 (21-10, 21-13) victory over Uruguayans Hans Hannibal and Nicolas Llambias.
Pool C Action
One Pool C match was also completed on Saturday already, and had Australians Paul Burnett and Thomas Hodges upsetting Brazilians George Wanderley and Saymon Barbosa 2-1 (21-17, 14-21, 15-13). With a win and a loss, the two teams are still fighting to qualify.
Credit: volleyballworld.com
