Maciej Rudol and Jakub Szalankiewicz won two qualification matches to reach the main draw in Croatia ©FIVB

Maciej Rudol had a 24th birthday to remember after the Pole made it through two qualification matches at the International Volleyball Federation Beach (FIVB) World Tour event in Poreč today with Jakub Szalankiewicz.

The duo saw off Julian Azaad and Nicolas Capogrosso of Argentina 21-14, 21-16 in their first match of the day at Peškera Bay in Croatia, taking 34 minutes to seal the win.

They followed this up by another victory later on against Canadian pairing Grant O’Gorman and Michael Plantiga.

This match proved to be a tougher challenge for the Polish duo as they were forced into a third set by their opponents.

However, they fought back after losing the first set to claim a 23-25, 21-15, 15-9 victory in 55 minutes.

Other pairings who earned their qualification for the main draw include Brazil’s Gustavo “Guto” Carvalhaes and Pedro Solberg, Christopher McHugh and Damien Schumann of Australia and German team Armin Dollinger and Jonathan Erdmann.

Niina Ahtiainen and Ida Sinisalo of Finland won their first FIVB Beach World Tour match today ©FIVB
Niina Ahtiainen and Ida Sinisalo of Finland won their first FIVB Beach World Tour match today ©FIVB

Qualification rounds were also held in the women’s competition.

Dutch duos Jolien Sinnema and Joy Stubbed and Manon Nummerdor-Flier and Marleen van Iersel both continued their perfect form in qualification rounds this season by progressing to the main draw.

Niina Ahtiainen and Ida Sinisalo of Finland pulled off a 23-21, 12-21, 15-13 victory over Canada’s Julie Gordon and Camille Saxton, a success which is their first on the FIVB Beach World Tour.

Action at Peškera Bay continues tomorrow as the pool stages get under way.