The Nikolov brothers stamped their class under the brightest lights.
Aleksandar and Moni Nikolov rose to the occasion as Bulgaria fended off sixth-ranked Slovenia in a five-set nail-biter, 25-19, 25-14, 18-25, 23-25, 15-13, to secure a spot in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After blowing a two-set lead and staring at a 9-11 deficit in the decider, the 21-year-old Aleksandar took matters into his own hands, sparking a four-point run with a booming ace before hammering a back-row kill to give Bulgaria the upper hand, 13-11.
His younger brother Moni then stepped into the spotlight, calling for a successful mid-rally challenge against Nik Mujanovic’s serve before drilling the clutch spike that put Bulgaria at match point, 14-12.
Though Iliya Petkov faltered from the service line, Aleksandar sealed the deal with another powerful swing, completing Bulgaria’s unbeaten 2-0 start in Pool E.
“There was a lot of pressure, to be honest. It looked like a different match in the first two sets,” said Aleksandar, who fired 26 points on 23 kills, two aces, and a block after torching Germany with 28 the night before. “It was a game to qualify for the next stage. So I’m super proud and happy with the team for their response in the fifth set.”
Moni, just 18 years old, orchestrated the offense with 36 excellent sets while also chipping in 10 points, including four aces.
“It was a nice moment. I’m happy that I could score a point for the team. I think we needed it, but I’m happy we got that point,” said the younger Nikolov.
Asparuh Asparuhov contributed 17 points, while Petkov had 11 markers built on five kills, five blocks, and an ace.
The victory already guarantees Bulgaria a finish better than its 20th place in the 2022 edition.
“It says that we’re a resilient team and we hold when the pressure hits,” Aleksandar added. “This shows that even though we’re young, we’re starting to gain experience and we’re starting to use it.”
Bulgaria aims for a Pool E sweep when it faces winless Chile on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
“And as young team is going to be the same for the next ten years,” said Moni. “So I’m happy that as a group, we’re staying together. And we’re winning when it matters.”
Slovenia, meanwhile, fell to 1-1 and will battle Germany on Wednesday at 9 p.m. for the last ticket to the knockout round.
Toncek Stern topscored for the Slovenians with 20 points, followed by Mujanovic’s 16 and Ziga Stern’s 13.
