Russia won its third straight women’s European title while Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Bosnia and Herzegovina bagged its second consecutive men’s title at the conclusion of the 2021 European Sitting Volleyball Championships on Saturday in Kemer, Turkey.
The women’s final was a repeat of the 2019 championship as Russia defeated Italy in straight sets (25-20, 25-14, 25-19).
Tournament MVP Iulia Mednikova top-scored for the Russians with 13 points — all from attacks.
Saturday’s victory gave Russia its fourth overall European title while Italy took home its second silver.
Meanwhile, Germany clinched an historic bronze medal with a sweep of Slovenia (25-21, 25-20, 25-21).
Michelle Schiffler emerged for the German side with a monstrous 19-point performance off 15 attacks with 68 per cent efficiency. She also scored thrice from the service line.
On the men’s side, Bosnia and Herzegovina retained its status as kings of Europe following a 3-0 (25-17, 28-26, 27-25) thriller against Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Russia.
The victory broke the dry spell for the Bosnians after being denied of a 10th title twice in 2017 and 2019.
MVP Mirzet Duran and Manko Adnan starred for the Balkan side with 11 points each.
It was also Germany that completed the men’s podium following a see-saw five-set classic (25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 15-25, 15-8) against Ukraine to win the bronze medal.
Scoring machine Dominik Albrecht rallied the Germans to victory with a masterful 28-point performance, all but four coming from attacks.