The MEVZA Senior Beach Volleyball Championship event in Kranj is in full swing! For the second consecutive year, Kranj, Slovenia, is hosting some of the best beach volleyball players from Central Europe. This year, the event has attracted a record-breaking 61 teams from seven countries, including defending champions Kathi Holzer from Austria and Bence Attila Stréli from Hungary, both competing with new partners.
The 2024 Zavarovalnica Sava Championship is being held in the scenic natural arena of the “Stara Sava parking” venue in Kranj. On Wednesday, July 24th, qualifications took place, with four teams per category (men’s and women’s) earning spots in the main draw, while twelve teams per category were directly qualified based on ranking points and country representation. A total of 16 teams per category competed in a group stage on Thursday, July 25th. The winners of each group advanced directly to Friday’s quarterfinals, while the second and third-placed teams faced additional matches to secure their quarterfinal spots. The competition will culminate on Saturday, July 27th, with the semifinals and medal matches.
The main draw’s opening day was filled with excitement and surprises. Only the top three teams from each group progressed to the next round, leaving some notable players behind, including defending champion Bence Attila Stréli, who, along with his partner, was defeated by the Czech duo Vala/Dostal, who had entered the main draw as lucky losers. Another Czech team, Mrkous/Pihera, also surprised everyone by winning both of their matches, including a victory over Austrian Olympian Xandi Huber and his partner Felix Friedl.
Most of the top seeds successfully advanced, including the top-seeded Slovenian women’s duo Kotnik/Lovšin, who have yet to drop a set. The atmosphere among the local crowd is electric, especially with four out of five Slovenian teams still in contention for the title.
Currently, the Czech teams are leading the field with eight teams remaining in the tournament, six of which are in the men’s category, and three already secured their spots in the quarterfinals. Will they maintain their lead, or will other Central European nations rise to claim the medals? Follow the action live at Stara Sava parking in Kranj!
