Short and sweet in Poreč — but all action on the sand!
While the second stop of the 2025 season began with two compact sessions, the action on the Croatian coast was high-stakes from the outset – and the athletes delivered.
Anastaysia KRAVCHENKO (UKR) got back to business in the women’s 60kg, going 2-for-2 alongside teammate Sofia KUSHNIR, who impressed with a win over former champ Francesca IDELICATO (ITA) before beating fellow Ukrainian Oksana MOSKALOVA.
Romana VOVCHAK (UKR) also went unbeaten, handing Dimitra ANDROUTSOU (GRE) a defeat after the Greek star opened with a win. Moldova’s Irina RINGACI made a statement in the 70kg with two dominant wins, including a big one over Olena NIKITINSKA (UKR).
In the +70kg category, Eliana BOMMARITO (USA) suffered a surprise loss to Liudmyla PAVLOVETS TYCHYNA (UKR) but bounced back against Stefania ZACHEILA (GRE). Iryna PASICHNYK (UKR) ended the day with two wins and a strong grip on a knockout spot.
Over in the men’s 70kg, reigning champ Oleksii BORUTA (UKR) returned with intent, edging Monterrey gold medallist Levan KELEKHSASHVILI (GEO) before a quicker win over Davit PARTENADZE (GEO). Kelekhsashvili recovered with a 2-1 win, while Iran’s Aliakbar Mohammad Bagher ZAROUDI quietly went 2-for-2.
Vasyl MYKHAILOV (UKR) looked sharp in the 80kg weight class after his comeback late last season, with two wins matched by Iran’s Ali Mohammad GHOLAMI, who claimed a big scalp in ex-champion Nika KENTCHADZE (GEO).
The 90kg field is stacked – and wide open. Four men finished day one unbeaten: reigning champ Ibrahim YUSUBOV (AZE), debutant Saeed Vajihollah SOLTANI LARGANI (IRI), Oleksii YAKOVCHUK (UKR), and 2024 runner-up Traian CAPATINA (MDA). Sunday’s elimination round looks set to be sensational.
In the +90kg, Monterrey winner Mamuka KORDZAIA (GEO) stayed perfect, seeing off a pair of Ukrainians, while 2023 champ Fatih YASARLI (TUR) looked in control with two wins of his own.
A cracking first day in Poreč sets up a mouthwatering Sunday. The knockout rounds await – and by tomorrow night, we’ll have new (and returning) Kings and Queens of the sand.
Can’t be there? Catch all the action on the Beach Wrestling World Series YouTube channel.
