Likhatskyi brothers claim first Budapest Futures title as Ukrainian beach volleyball shines with two medals

At the men's beach volleyball final of the Budapest Futures stop on the World Beach Pro Tour, Ivan Likhatskyi and Richard Likhatskyi completed a remarkable comeback, beating Bulgarian pair Mehandzhiyski – Kalchev 2-0 to claim their first international gold medal. The victory capped a five-match winning streak after an opening loss in the pool stage. The Ukrainians adapted well under pressure, defeated Austrian pair Klemen – Holzinger 2-1 in the semifinal, then controlled the final with strong serving and quick attacks. Bulgaria's pair, who had won four straight matches before the final, earned silver — their best-ever Beach Pro Tour result, surpassing a previous bronze at Sveti Vlas. Ukraine also took bronze as Popov and Tiurin won the third-place match 2-0, with debutant Illia Tiurin winning a medal in his first Beach Pro Tour appearance. Austria, seeded fifth, reached the semifinals but could not sustain their level in key moments. The tournament highlighted Ukraine's squad depth, with two pairs among the medalists, while Bulgaria celebrated a historic milestone. However, official statistics on blocking, serving, and reception were unavailable, limiting deeper tactical conclusions. The Budapest Futures stop proved valuable for ranking points, national development, and the broader Beach Pro Tour calendar as teams prepare for higher-tier events and the Olympic cycle.