The MEVZA U16 Beach Volleyball Championship came to a successful conclusion in Portorož on Friday, with the final day featuring placement matches, semifinals and medal matches that determined this year's champions in both the women's and men's tournaments.
In the women's tournament, Hungary's Komondi / Vargha booked their place in the final after coming from a set down to defeat Raguž / Guina (CRO) 2-1 (18-21, 21-17, 15-9). In the second semifinal, Czech pair Mastnikova / Štepankova defeated Slovenia's Ficko / Pahor in straight sets (21-14, 21-15).
The bronze medal match also went to three sets, with Raguž / Guina bouncing back from losing the opening set to overcome Ficko / Pahor 2-1 (18-21, 21-13, 15-9). In the gold medal match, Mastnikova / Štepankova produced another commanding performance, defeating Komondi / Vargha 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) to claim the MEVZA U16 title.
Earlier in the day, Naskosova / Rechtačkova (CZE) secured one of the fifth-place finishes with a 2-0 victory over Stopar / Dremelj (SLO), while Frkalova / Svobodova (CZE) claimed the other after defeating Angerer / Innocenti (AUT) 2-1 (21-8, 18-21, 15-6). In the ninth-place matches, Bucova / Dzechova (SVK) defeated Schonegger / Gulasik (AUT) 2-0 (21-19, 21-17), while Perhat / Lisjak (CRO) beat Szalay / Pandi (HUN) 2-0 (21-14, 21-14).
The men's competition delivered equally exciting action. Kozler / Prokeš (CZE) advanced to the final after defeating Sekera / Zabava (SVK) 2-1 (21-16, 17-21, 15-10). The second semifinal saw Kiss / Vince (HUN) edge past Lorenz / Galler (AUT) in another three-set battle, winning 2-1 (21-18, 20-22, 15-11).
Austria's Lorenz / Galler secured the bronze medal by defeating Sekera / Zabava 2-1 (21-17, 17-21, 15-9). In the championship match, Kiss / Vince came back after dropping the opening set to overcome Kozler / Prokeš 2-1 (16-21, 21-17, 15-11), earning Hungary the men's title.
In the placement matches, Grosegger / Trummer (AUT) claimed one of the fifth-place finishes with a 2-0 victory over Herget / Yapparov (CZE), while Modic / Kovač (SLO) defeated Votava / Marel (CZE) 2-1 (21-15, 19-21, 19-17). Ninth place went to Perko / Pavasović (SLO), who defeated Tari / Ghazal (HUN) 2-0 (21-14, 22-20), and Kalma / Hruzik (SVK), who edged Heiland / Schmid (AUT) 2-1 (21-16, 17-21, 15-13).
Final standings
Women
🥇 Mastnikova / Štepankova (CZE)
🥈 Komondi / Vargha (HUN)
🥉 Raguž / Guina (CRO)
Men
🥇 Kiss / Vince (HUN)
🥈 Kozler / Prokeš (CZE)
🥉 Lorenz / Galler (AUT)
