Bulgaria delivered a dominant performance against China, securing a 3-0 victory (25-23, 25-16, 26-24) in the final preliminary match of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Friday evening. The straight-sets win highlighted Bulgaria’s growing form as the tournament heads into its final phase.
Leading Bulgaria’s charge was outside hitter Aleksandar Nikolov, who finished as the top scorer with 21 points. Middle blocker Aleks Grozdanov also played a key role, adding 11 points. Their combined efforts proved too much for the Chinese team, which struggled to mount a consistent defense.
Despite their loss, China showed moments of resistance, particularly through outside hitter Ji Daoshuai, who managed 12 points. Opposite spiker Jiang Chuan also contributed with nine points, including eight kills and one block, but their efforts were not enough to turn the tide.
The opening set was closely contested, with both sides trading points. China briefly led 20-19, thanks to Ji Daoshuai’s seven kills, but a series of unforced errors shifted momentum in Bulgaria’s favor.
A service error by Li Yongzhen and a misfired attack by Wen Zihua proved costly, allowing Bulgaria to take the lead. An ace from Simeon Nikolov extended the advantage to 22-20, and although China made a late push, Bulgaria held on to win the set 25-23.
In the second set, Bulgaria took control early. Nikolov’s consecutive aces, combined with key blocks from Asparuhov and Grozdanov, gave them a 9-6 lead.
The Bulgarian team steadily widened the gap, reaching 18-12 and then 21-13, before comfortably sealing the set 25-16 following a technical mistake by Jiang Chuan.
The third set featured a determined Chinese comeback. With Bulgaria leading 24-22, China responded through Jiang Chuan’s block and Li Yongzhen’s spike, leveling the score at 24-24.
However, Bulgaria closed out the match efficiently. Grozdanov’s well-placed attack and Nikolov’s final block ended the set 26-24 and secured the clean sweep.
In another match earlier that day, France edged Cuba in a five-set thriller (20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-21, 15-9). Theo Faure led France with 20 points, while Cuba’s Jose Israel Masso contributed 17. The results underscored the fierce competition in the ongoing Men’s VNL.