Arkas IZMIR-Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA
Arkas IZMIR seized the night with the score of 3:1 (25-13, 25-19, 16-25, and 25-23). This was a very good start for Turkey’s hope – winner of the 2009 Challenge Cup – that was anchored by Burutay Subasi who totaled 22 points all alone and was substantially unstoppable for the Bulgarian block.
The rhythm of the game was initially set by Arkas IZMIR (8:5) with Burutay Subasi and Gordon Perrin doing a great job for the Turkish team (16:9). Via the good play of setter Kevin Hansen, Arkas IZMIR controlled the game sealing the opening set at 25-13.
Arkas IZMIR continued to pressure the opponents in set 2 with the help of Liberman Agamez and Burutay Subasi (8:7, 16:14); the home guys finished the set quite comfortably at 25-19.
The Bulgarian team showed great resistance in the third set and surprised the home side (5:8, 9:16). With the efficient performance of Dmitriy Bahov, DUPNITSA claimed that section of the game with the score of 16-25.
In the fourth set Glenn Hoag, coach of Arkas IZMIR, made some changes in the starting six and opted for Bülent Kandemir as outside hitter, using Subasi as opposite. Arkas IZMIR set the tempo of the game all the way through (8:5, 16:11, and 21:16). The Bulgarian guys again tried to come back from 24:20 but the home team sealed the match at 25-23 with a block by veteran captain Kandemir.
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