Vardar beat Nexe 33–27, to face Trimo Trebnje for final spot in Ohrid
Vardar recovered after a difficult first half to beat Nexe 33–27 and will play Trimo Trebnje for a finals berth.
Vardar edged Croatian side Nexe 33–27 in the final match of the third day at the Krste Andonovski memorial tournament in Ohrid, moving the Macedonian champions into a direct showdown with Trimo Trebnje for a place in the tournament final.
The game produced a surprising first half as Nexe took the initiative with sharp play, but Vardar regrouped after the break, tightened their defence and turned the match decisively in their favour during the second half.
Turning point after the interval
Vardar converted their momentum into goals and stretched the margin to a comfortable win by full time, 33–27. The victory keeps Vardar in contention: they will meet Trimo in the next decisive match that will determine who advances to the big final in Ohrid.
Earlier on the same day Trimo Trebnje of Slovenia narrowly beat Greek Olympiacos 25–24. With that result Trimo now has four points and sits one step away from qualification for the final.
The opening fixture of the day saw Vojvodina defeat the young selection of Egypt 29–24, completing the third day programme at the memorial tournament.
Match report by Saso Kuzmanovski.
Photo: RK Vardar 1961 (FB)
