Motivated by the surprise appearance of his parents, Aleksandar Nikolov delivered his best performance yet to power Bulgaria past Czechia in four sets, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, and into its first FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship final in 55 years, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nikolov played the game of his life and punched in 31 big points—matching the tournament-best output set by Belgium’s Ferre Reggers in the pool phase—off 27 attacks, three aces, and one block, with his parents Vladimir and Maya in attendance.
“Very special. They actually surprised me. I didn't know they're coming. I'm happy they got to assist and see this game live. It's probably the most important and you know the best game of my life so I thank them for always supporting me,” said the 21-year-old outside hitter.
The Bulgarians will be fighting for the gold medal for the first time since 1970, when they settled for silver on home soil after a heartbreaking five-set defeat to East Germany, 11-15, 15-13, 7-15, 15-4, 13-15.
Bulgaria shook off a second-set hiccup to dispatch a pesky Czech side, dominating in all departments with a 56-49 edge in attacks, 12-7 in blocks, and 8-4 in aces in the one-hour, 44-minute encounter.
After splitting the first two sets, the Bulgarians picked up steam late in the third set, with Nikolov leading a 5-2 finishing kick that turned a slim 20-19 edge to a 25-21 win that put them a set away from securing the game.
The fourth frame was a nip-and-tuck affair, but Bulgaria held the mental edge in the crucial moments, pulling away late as Nikolov delivered the crucial points that allowed the team to take a 24-21 edge.
Antonin Klimes kept the Czechs alive with a powerful off the block attack, but Dan Galabov committed a crucial error that handed Bulgaria the win.
“Yeah, great team performance first of all. I'm happy that we won another game step-by-step and you know we're medalists already. We just got a going that color the medal in gold tomorrow so that's that's our goal from now get a rest up till tomorrow,” said the elder Nikolov.
Aleks Grozdanov added 12 points on seven attacks, four kill blocks, and one ace, while Asparuh Asparuhov tallied 10 markers. Martin Atanasov contributed eight points.
Moni Nikolov delivered the goods once again with 43 excellent sets to go along with nine points on five attacks, two blocks, and two aces.
Bulgaria, now assured of a silver finish, will face either World No. 1 Poland or defending champion Italy in the finale.
On the other hand, Lukas Vasina paced Czechia with 17 points, while Galabov and Patrik Indra registered 13 and 10 points in the team’s first semifinal appearance since 1966.
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