Day1 Qualy: Gibraltar make history, Slovakia and Venezuela also advance

A historic victory at their first participation in a team championship, immediately securing qualification for the final stage. Gibraltar’s men’s team celebrated victory over Poland at the FIP Senior World Cup in Argentina. The team, led by Jerry Aguilera and Yari Olivero, prevailed thanks to wins in the 40+, 45+ and 60+ categories – with Taylor/Olivero, Federico/Valverde and Aguilera/Sheriff respectively – while Poland claimed the 50+ and 55+ categories.

 

Slovakia secured an exciting victory in a closely fought battle with Lithuania, eventually winning 3-2 in the final match of the day. Lithuania took the lead with the 45+ category, before Chovanec/Holly levelled the tie in the 40+ match. Lithuania regained the lead in the third match, featuring the 60+ category, before Slovakia came from behind with Šurina/Hatiar (55+) and Stanko/Strapek (50+), securing their first pass to the final stage of a team championship.

 

Venezuela’s path was more straightforward, as they bounced back strongly after losing the 45+ category against Ukraine. Garcia/Pazos (40+), Calvo/Zavatti (60+), Sydow/Lopez (55+) and Urdaneta/Linder (50+) secured the four successive victories. Venezuela will also be making their first appearance at the final stage of the tournament.

 

SATURDAY’S MATCHES The road to the men’s final stage of the FIP Senior World Cup will continue on Saturday, starting at 10am local time (3pm CEST). Under the tournament format, teams defeated in the first round move into the next stage for another chance to qualify, with the final qualifying match scheduled for Sunday. Lithuania and Poland will therefore return to the court for a direct showdown; the other ties (best of five matches) will see Canada face Paraguay, Ukraine take on Hong Kong and Croatia meet Austria.