Likhatskyi brothers stage remarkable comeback: Ukrainian beach volleyball shines at Budapest Futures

On a July morning on the sand courts of Budapest, as Richard Likhatskyi smashed the final point of the championship match, he and his older brother Ivan had just accomplished something no seed at the tournament had done: losing the opening match, then winning five straight to lift the World Beach Pro Tour Futures trophy. This was not just a simple comeback; it was a declaration about the depth of Ukrainian beach volleyball – a place where not just one outstanding pair but an entire generation is rising. I have followed many low-tier tournaments, and usually emerging names are forgotten. But this time, the Likhatskyi brothers did not allow me to forget. Budapest Futures is part of the FIVB Beach Pro Tour system – the entry-level step for teams to accumulate Olympic ranking points. It is not the top-tier Elite16, but it is where pairs from non-powerhouse volleyball nations hone their resilience. This year, Ukraine sent two pairs: the Likhatskyi brothers (Ivan and Richard) and Popov – Tiurin. Alongside them were Bulgarian pair Mehandzhiyski – Kalchev, who had previously won bronze in Sveti Vlas, and Austrian duo Klemen – Holzinger, seeded fifth. Early in the pool stage, the Likhatskyi brothers suffered an unexpected loss. At that moment, no one thought they could go far. But beach volleyball scoring is unforgiving: every set can turn. They stood up, won consecutively, and advanced to the semifinals against the Austrians. The match stretched to three sets, but the composure of Ivan – a veteran player – helped them prevail. On the other side, the Bulgarians also won four straight to reach the gold-medal match. That was their first Beach Pro Tour final, a milestone for Bulgarian beach volleyball. Looking back at the Likhatskyi brothers' journey, I am reminded of a phrase I have told myself over years of reporting: 'I used to think doubt was a scratch, but it turned out to be a sharpening.' Their initial loss was like a scratch, and they used it to sharpen their tactics. In beach doubles, two players must cover each other on every point. Losing early forced them to reassess their serve reception and serve strategy. Although I do not have official FIVB statistics on attack efficiency or block counts, five consecutive wins – especially two decisive 2-0 victories in the semifinal and final – speak volumes. They did not just overcome opponents; they overcame the psychological turmoil of a bad start. The final against Mehandzhiyski – Kalchev was the clearest proof. The Bulgarian pair was highly rated for their physicality and powerful serves. They had won four straight matches before that, creating an aura of invincibility. However, the Likhatskyi brothers neutralized them with a fast-paced style, minimizing high balls. They continually pressured the Bulgarian block with sharp cross-court attacks. Their tactical flexibility secured a 2-0 victory, a scoreline that did not reflect the intensity of every rally. The Bulgarians have reason to regret, but this silver is their best-ever Beach Pro Tour result, following the bronze in Sveti Vlas. It represents steady progress, not luck. What impressed me most was the bronze medal of Popov – Tiurin. Popov is experienced, while Illia Tiurin, on his Beach Pro Tour debut, already has an international medal. They won 2-0 in the third-place match, showing the Ukrainian team's consistency. While many nations rely on just one strong pair, Ukraine fielded two pairs that both reached the podium. This reflects an effective youth development system and squad depth. As for Austria, Klemen and Holzinger stopped in the semifinals despite being fifth seeds. They have good technique but lack persistence in key moments. That is the problem they need to solve before aiming at bigger tournaments. I have written often about events ignored by mainstream media. Many colleagues think Futures is just a point-collection ground, not worth in-depth analysis. But I see here stories that the top arenas do not offer: the harsh reality of having to rise when no one is watching. Like me, these pairs work in the shadows, and when the lights come on, they are ready. 'Between breaking news and accurate news, I choose accuracy even if it means waiting longer,' I often tell editors. Here, statistical data is incomplete, but that very fact forces me to verify more through on-court actions. Some might say that without numbers, analysis is impossible. But I trust what my eyes see: smart footwork, intelligent serve-receive handling, and a never-give-up spirit. Looking at the entire tournament, there is a common thread among medalists: they all come from volleyball nations not considered major powers. Ukraine and Bulgaria do not have many international stars, but they have systematic training and long-term investment. Success at Budapest Futures is not an end but a beginning. World beach volleyball is witnessing a power shift, as smaller nations dare to dream big. For me, this is the time to reassess the value of lower-tier tournaments – places that nurture surprises for the Olympics or World Championships in the future. There was a moment in the semifinal I cannot forget: when Ivan Likhatskyi served at 19-19 in the decisive set, he looked at his brother with a determined gaze. That serve forced an error from the Austrian receiver, and from then on, the match belonged to them. I thought then, perhaps such small details do not appear in statistics, but they are what make champions. Just like my journalism career: people see the final article but not the hours spent verifying numbers. But I believe in the process, just as they believe in every step on the sand. Finally, I want to emphasize that the Likhatskyi brothers' success is not only their own story. It is a victory of perseverance, of daring to face defeat from the first match. 'I trust data, but I trust even more the one who dares to print it on the front page' – a phrase I use to remind myself professionally. These athletes do not need someone to print their names on the front page; they print their own mark through victories. And I bet that after Budapest Futures, we will hear the name Likhatskyi again. Because, as I said, 'With no spectators in the stands, all fake sounds are exposed' – here, only true substance survives.