Nikolov bros star anew, lift Bulgaria to FIVB Worlds finals

Brothers Alex and Moni Nikolov led Bulgaria anew as they took down Czechia with a 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 win in the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship semifinals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Star opposite hitter Alex dropped a huge 31-point outing anchored on 27 attacks, three aces, and one block while setter Moni had another stellar playmaking performance. 

The win sent Bulgaria to the championship round with an unscathed record so far. 

Aleks Grozdanov and Asparuh Asparuhov chipped in 12 and 10 markers each to help Bulgaria overcome a second set hiccup and complete the four-set romp. 

Bulgaria, which was coming off a grueling five-set quarterfinals showdown with USA last Thursday, found itself in danger of another extended match after Czechia tied things up at 16-all off a Marek Sotola opposite kill. 

But with enough experience on its side, Bulgaria was able to shake it off after cruising to a crucial 22-20 cushion following a service error from Czechia. 

Alex then unleashed the finishing blow after unloading back-to-back kills, including a strong hammer against a tall triple block from the other side, bringing Bulgaria to the match point at 24-21. 

A service error from Jan Galabov allowed the Bulgarians, who will take on either Poland or Italy in the final, to close it out. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News