Poland’s Aleksander Śliwka wins the Emperor’s Cup with Suntory Sunbirds, marking his first major trophy in Asia.
Aleksander Śliwka and Suntory Sunbirds claimed the prestigious Emperor’s Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Osaka Bluteon (25:12, 25:22, 25:17) on Sunday. The team’s flawless performance extended throughout the knockout phase, as they swept JTEKT Stings in the quarterfinals and Wolfdogs Nagoya in the semifinals without losing a single set.
A Historic Achievement
This marks Śliwka’s first trophy in Asia since joining Suntory Sunbirds this season. The Polish outside hitter adds his name to the elite group of Polish players who have won the Emperor’s Cup, alongside Michał Kubiak (2016, Panasonic Panthers) and Bartosz Kurek (2021, Wolfdogs Nagoya).
Strong Season for Suntory Sunbirds
Currently, the Suntory Sunbirds are fourth in the Japanese league standings, boasting 11 wins and 5 losses. Śliwka’s impact has been instrumental, as his skill and experience continue to bolster the team’s aspirations for more success this season.