RANCEL Varga and James Buytrago of the Philippines lost to the Czech Repulic pair of Krystof Jan Oliva and Vaclav Kurka last night 16-21, 21-16, 13-15 and settled for the silver medal in the FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures at the Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land in the City of Santa Rosa.
The Pinoy pair advanced to the finals after beating Toms Liepa and Ernests Puskundzis of Latvia 21-14, 21-16 in the semifinals while the Czech duo beat Turkey’s Hasan Huseyin Mermer and Kurt Sacit, 22-20, 21-17.
Varga and Buytrago overpowered the Latvian team that they also defeated in straight sets in pool play of the tournament featuring 38 teams from 16 countries in the event backed by Smart Communications, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Senoh, Mikasa, Foton Motor Philippines Inc. and Seda Nuvali.
Varga, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday when they beat Japan’s Yusuke Ishijima and Kensuke Shoji of Japan in straight sets in the quarterfinals, was glad the sacrifices are paying off for the team.
“We knew the task at hand and we knew we could not waste opportunities like this. We went to bed early, woke up refreshed and ready to play,” said Varga.
Previous University Athletic Association of the Philippines rivals, Varga and Buytrago now adds to the Philippines’ recent achievements in beach volleyball.
In the FIVB World Beach Pro Tour Futures Subic in December 2022, the Philippines went 1-2 in the women’s division, with Sisi Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga earning the gold by beating Gen Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez.
