09/04/2017 18:00
Spectacular final propels Bogatov/Dayanov to Kronplatz gold!
2017 CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour
Kronplatz / Plan de Corones, Italy, April 9, 2017. Yury Bogatov/Ruslan Dayanov from Russia are the new title-holders of the Kronplatz / Plan de Corones stop of the CEV Snow Volleyball European Tour. Within the spectacular surroundings of the Italian Alps and under a spectacularly bright sky, a spectacular men’s final propelled the two Russians to their second gold on the Tour.
After a very strong showing in their semi-final match, where they cruised to a speedy 2-0 (11-8, 11-2) victory over second-seeded ‘King of Snow’ Michal Matyja and his Polish compatriot Karol Szczepanik, the fourth-seeded Bogatov/Dayanov had to face the other yet unbeaten team in Kronplatz – third-seeded Slovenians Tadej Bozenk/Danijel Pokeršnik, in the final.
In their semi-final, Bozenk/Pokeršnik had disposed of last year’s winner in Kronplatz, Germany’s Benedikt Doranth and his partner Julius Höfer with a 2-0 (11-9, 11-7) shutout.
Cheered on by numerous spectators around the centre court under the Concordia 2000 bell, the Russians and the Slovenians put on a very tough battle. The first set went way beyond the 11th point and it was eventually won by Bogatov/Dayanov. The Russians were quicker to win the second set and this was the only part, which did not go into extra time. At that point, Bozenk/Pokeršnik started working on a comeback. They took the third set to stay in contention. The fourth set was an epic, out-of-this-world duel between snow volleyballers of the highest level. The Slovenians missed several opportunities to close it in their favour and prompt a tiebreaker. The Russians could not convert a few match points before they finally emerged victorious with 3-1 (15-13, 11-6, 11-13, 24-22). With as many as 46 rallies, the last set tied the European Tour record set just a week ago in the men’s final at the Malbun stop.
“This was the most difficult match we have played anywhere any time,” exclaimed Ruslan Dayanov while trying to catch his breath immediately after the winning point. “This was a powerful game and a real show with a lot of great action. This was our second participation in the European Tour and our second gold. We are so happy. We will play again next year.”
Before being crowned 2017 ‘King of the Snow’, Michal Matyja and his partner Karol Szczepanik tried to finish the season with a medal, but the bronze went to Benedikt Doranth/Julius Höfer, who won the third place match by 2-1 (11-9, 9-11, 11-6).
For further information on the European Tour, click here or visit SnowVolleyball.com.
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