Veterans Sidorenko and Dyachenko won the last of three one-star events in Iran

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Teams from Kazakhstan stepped into the podium in Bandar Anzali (Photocredit: FIVB)

After more than a decade competing in the Beach Volleyball World Tour, Alexey Sidorenko and Alexandr Dyachenko accomplished an unprecedented feat for Kazakhstan as the veterans claimed the country’s first-ever gold medal at the one-star event in Bandar Anzali, Iran.

The 35-year-old Sidorenko and the 37-year-old Dyachenko won their first gold medal in 64 World Tour events after they defeated the home team of Bahman Salemiinjehboroun and Arash Vakili. The Kazaks won the first set 21-18 and the match ended after Vakili injured his left knee and had to forfeit the game.

It was the second World Tour medal won by Sidorenko and Dyachenko, who had claimed silver, the first-ever international medal for their country, just one week ago in Babolsar.

The bronze medal also went Iran’s way after Abolhamed Mirzaali and Rahman Raoufi prevailed over compatriots Alireza Aghajani and Abbas Pourasgari in two sets (21-18, 21-17) to finish third.

The World Tour continues with a four-star event taking place in Las Vegas, USA, this weekend. Next week, the competition heads to Chetumal, Mexico, to a women-only three star tournament.