Portimão Fuels National Title Contenders

Francisco Pombeiro and Marcus Borlini in the men's division, and Beatriz Pinheiro and Inês Castro in the women's, emerged victorious at the fifth stage of the National Beach Volleyball Circuit (CNVP), held at Praia da Rocha in Portimão.

In the men's final, the Portuguese-Brazilian duo of Pombeiro and Borlini triumphed over brothers Gonçalo and Tomás Sousa in a hard-fought match, securing a 2-1 victory (21-18, 17-21, and 21-17). André Silveira and João Pedro Andrade claimed third place on the podium, defeating Gustavo Reis and Paulo Monteiro 2-0 (21-19 and 21-12).

Meanwhile, in the women's competition, Beatriz Pinheiro and Inês Castro bested Mariana Maia and Gabriela Coelho, also with a 2-1 scoreline, in a thrilling final decided by the narrowest of margins (21-17, 18-21, and 25-23). The bronze medal went to Margarida Santos and Carolina Maia, who overcame Raquel Lacerda and Inês Pereira 2-0 (21-17 and 21-11).

As the grand final approaches, the battle for the national title intensifies. The confirmed absence of four-time champions João Pedrosa and Hugo Campos, who will be representing Portugal at the European Championship in Poland, opens up new possibilities in the men's title race. The Sousa brothers and the Pombeiro/Borlini duo are now strong contenders.

In the women's bracket, the title fight promises to be equally fierce. Victories for Beatriz Pinheiro and Inês Castro, who won the circuit in 2022, 2023, and 2024 in Matosinhos and now in Portimão, put pressure on their rivals, notably current champions Daniela Loureiro and Vanessa Paquete, and the duo of Margarida Santos/Carolina Maia.

The sixth and final stage of the CNVP, which will crown the national champions, is scheduled for August 14, 15, and 16, at Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira, the European City of Sport 2026.