PROVING its victory over Japan was no fluke, Türkiye humbled Libya, 25-18, 23-25, 25-14, 25-16, on Monday for back-to-back wins in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Led by middle blockers Bulbul Bedirhan and Ramadan Madiraci, the world No. 14 Turkish squad showcased its offensive prowess anew against the No. 75 Libyans, particularly in the last two sets, to remain undefeated in Pool G preliminary round action.
Bedirhan was unstoppable, tallying 11 kills, two blocks, and three service aces for a total of 16 points, while Madiraci contributed 16 points on 11 kills, one block, and four aces.
“We worked a lot for the World Championship because in the VNL we did not perform at our best. This is the last tournament of the summer, so we really pushed hard in training. I think we did an amazing job, especially with tactics and character,” Türkiye team captain Ahmet Tumer said.
“Now we are 2-0. I hope we will win tomorrow as well because it is better to finish first.”
On Wednesday at 2 p.m., Türkiye will face powerhouse and ninth-ranked Canada in its final preliminary round match.
“We have Canada next, and we know what kind of team they are. We’ve played them many times. Even though they are missing a couple of outside hitters, we know everyone else. I think we are mostly ready,” Adis Lagumdzija said.
“It’s up to us to avoid mistakes now. But at the level we are currently playing, we can beat anybody. We just need to continue performing at the highest level and make as few mistakes as possible,” Lagumdzija added.
Lagumdzija finished with 12 kills, two service aces, and a block, while Gokcen Yuksel added 13 points on 12 attacks for Türkiye, whose coach, Slobodan Kovac, recently celebrated his 57th birthday.
Amhimmid Ikhbayri led Libya with 19 points, including 16 kills and three blocks, but the team remains winless after two games.
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