The Ukrainian beach volleyball twins, Inna and Iryna Makhno, have triumphed at the Krakow Beach Volleyball Futures tournament, securing their first Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour gold medal in three years. Their victory marks a significant moment in their professional journey, characterized by persistent teamwork and competitive spirit.
Despite entering the main draw as the ninth seed, the sisters advanced from their pool in second place and picked up momentum during the elimination rounds. Their impressive run included:
- Four back-to-back wins in the knockout phase
- A commanding semifinal victory over Poland’s Marta Lodej and Julia Kielak
- A hard-fought three-set final against Norway’s Frida Berntsen and Oda Steinsvag, capped with a dominant 15-5 set win
This gold is their second Futures title, with their previous win coming at the Baden Futures in 2022. Now 30 years old, the Makhno twins continue to display composure and resilience, especially in high-pressure playoff matches.
Norway's team, Berntsen and Steinsvag, took home the silver—an achievement marking Norway's first medal of the current Futures season. Their journey to the final was highlighted by a comeback victory over Spain's debutant duo, Sofia Izuzquiza and Sofia Gonzalez, in the semifinals.
Spain’s team responded with grace, claiming the bronze medal in straight sets against the Polish hosts. This performance bodes well for the future of Spain's emerging talent in the sport.
The Krakow event drew 26 teams from 16 different countries, underlining the growing international appeal of beach volleyball. The Futures tour continues this week, with new events scheduled in China, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland.
For more details, read the full article on Volleyball World.
