Poland beat Czech Republic to win first world volleyball bronze

Poland’s men’s volleyball team defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 on Sunday to claim the bronze medal at the World Championship in the Philippines, the first time the Olympic silver medallists have finished third in the tournament.

Poland in action during a 3rd place match between Czech Republic and Poland at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in Manila, Philippines

Photo: PAP/EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA

The Poles, ranked world No. 1 and winners of this year’s Nations League, won 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21. Wilfredo Leon led the team with 26 points.

Poland, who won the world title in 1974, 2014 and 2018 and finished runners-up in 2006 and 2022, had hoped to reclaim the crown lost to Italy three years ago. They fell 0-3 to the defending champions in Saturday’s semifinal and were left to face the Czechs, making their first-ever appearance in the top four.

Missing injured captain Bartosz Kurek, Poland relied on debutant Kewin Sasak alongside Leon and Kamil Semeniuk to secure victory.

Italy beat Bulgaria 3:1 in the final on Sunday.

(tf)

Source: PAP