The 2023 Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championship kicked off with high-energy matches at the Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa, Philippines. Alas Pilipinas faced a challenging start, with both of their teams experiencing straight-set losses on the first day of qualifiers.
Iran’s duo, Salemiinjehboroun Bahman and Khakizadeh Abolhassan, decisively overcame Ronniel Rosales and Edwin Tolentino of the Philippines in the men’s qualifying round with a score of 21-8, 21-10. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Kaize Josephine Selvina Anasthasya and Melinda Novita Sari Devi defeated the Philippine team of Alexa Polidario and Jen Gaviola in a close 23-21, 21-15 match on the women’s side.
![Foreign teams at the Nuvali Sand Courts [PNVF photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/volleyball-world-beach-protour031-scaled.jpeg)
A Fierce Battle for Main Draw Spots
In the men’s tournament, 15 teams are competing for four open slots in the 24-team main draw, adding a thrilling competitive edge to every set. The qualifying tournament, hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, promises an exciting journey to the finals.
Other results included Vietnam’s Nguyen Thanh Sang and Nguyen Hoang Long, who won over Hong Kong’s Chong Keiloi and Wong Yingcheung, 21-17, 21-16. Kazakhstan’s Mokhammad Abdulmajid and Ryukhov Klim also triumphed, taking down China’s Yuan Liu and Yuan Mao, 23-21, 21-12.
In women’s qualifiers, seven teams are vying for four main draw slots, with competitive matches adding excitement to the tournament.
Philippines Teams Gear Up for the Main Draw
In the main draw, the Philippines has secured two teams in both the men’s and women’s categories. Notably, SEA Games bronze medalists Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago are set to reunite as partners, with fellow Filipino players Rancel Varga and Lerry John Francisco joining them in the men’s draw. In the women’s division, Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara, along with Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor, aim to represent the Philippines with a podium finish.
Stay tuned for more intense matches as the qualifying rounds continue at the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships.
