Swedish double triumph at NEVZA zonal event in Oddanesand

The top seeds from the NEVZA zonal event held this week in Oddanesand, Sweden’s Thurin/Thurin and Finland’s Piippo/Topio reached the finals, but they both failed to succeed in the most anticipated matches of the whole competition. Reigning U22 European champion Jacob Hölting Nilsson and his partner Hampus Ekstrand outperformed the Finnish first seeds in the men’s final, showing impressive attacking skills throughout. The Finns put on some pressure towards the end of the game, but it was too little, too late. Sweden looks on a roll to get another team up to the international elite next to reigning European champions David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig.

The Thurin twins were the favourites in the women’s final with their technical and entertaining volleyball. However, fourth seeded Hulda Rudberg/Helene Jernbeck proved to be a very strong opponent and left the Swedish siblings disappointed. The third place was won by the experienced Victoria Faye Kjølberg and Julie Varga from Norway after a forfeit from Finnish duo Anna Rantala/Anniina Muukka. They secured the only medal in the tournament for Norway on their home turf. Juan Enrique Bello/Josue Rocha from England took third place on the men’s side after beating surprise team Emil Øfstaas and indoor pro Eirik Kavli.

Superb days in Oddanesand make organisers and players alike look forward to more of the same next year!