The most remarkable performance by a Belgian abroad this week came from Spain, where Tomas Rousseaux helped Guaguas win the Spanish Cup. In the Copa del Rey semi-final, Tomas (11 points) contributed to his team’s 3-2 victory over Soria. Later, Guaguas successfully defended their title in the final against Manacor, with Tomas scoring 14 points.

Ferre Reggers was once again the top scorer for his team, Milan, with 20 points (45%), earning MVP honors in their 3-1 win over Cisterna in front of 1,685 spectators. Things didn’t go as well for Taranto in Italy, who lost to Modena in front of 3,353 fans, despite Wout D’Heer delivering a strong performance with 6 points (67% and 4 blocks).

In Russia, Sam Deroo continues his good form, contributing to Zenit Kazan’s 3-0 victory over Fakel Yamali with an attacking efficiency of 5 out of 7 and several aces.

Joël Banks—reportedly the new head coach of the Netherlands—keeps stacking up 3-0 wins with Berlin, this time against Freiburg. Also in Germany, Christophe Achten led Düren to a 3-0 win over Netzhoppers. Robbe Van de Velde had to settle for a few substitute appearances.

In Poland, Kedzierzyn (without Igor Grobelny) suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Jastrzębski. Katowice only managed a win in the tiebreak (16-14) against Gorzow, where Mathijs Desmet played just two sets and contributed two blocks.

In Croatia, another impressive performance from Simon Vlahovic (12 points at 83% and six blocks), helping Ribola Kastela move up to second place in the standings after a 3-0 win over Marsonia.

Dries Hoeyberghs bounced back with Nordenskov in Denmark, securing a 3-1 win over cup winners Odense, finishing second and setting up a quarter-final clash against DHV Odense.

Mila Vlahovic is Back
In Serbia, Mila Vlahovic (2 points at 29%) returned to action for Radnicki, though they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Zeleznicar.

In Greece, Ilka Van de Vyver (2 points – 100%) helped Paok Thessaloniki secure another victory: 3-0 against Thetis.

In France, league leaders Venelles (with Britt Rampelberg, 59% reception and 36% perfect reception) suffered a 3-2 defeat against Bordeaux but remain at the top of the standings.

In Germany, Dresdner (Nathalie Lemmens 5 points – 27% – 2 blocks) lost their top-match against Schwerin 3-1. Meanwhile, Potsdam (with Anna Koulberg 10 points – 67% – 3 blocks) secured a 3-0 victory over Erfurt.

Dominika Sobolska (1 point – 33% in the first set) and GB Lodz lost 3-0 to Bydgoszcz in Poland.

In Japan, Osaka Marvelous achieved back-to-back 3-0 wins against Queenseis, who played both matches without Kaja Grobelna. For Osaka, Lise Van Hecke (21 points – 43%) only participated in one of the "Belgian" matchups.

In Italy, Britt Herbots did not feature for Scandicci, but that was no issue for the 2,259 spectators, as they secured a 3-1 win against Pinerolo. Silke Van Avermaet (10 points – 40% – 6 blocks!) played a crucial role in Busto Arsizio’s 3-2 victory over Perugia. At Vallafoglia, Laura Heyrman (1 point – 50%) was brought in during the tiebreak for Milan, who secured a 15-12 win.

(Collected by Marcel Coppens)