Nov. 19, 2025: Canadians Sam Schachter (Richmond Hill, ON) and Jonny Pickett (Wiarton, ON) battled top-seeded Anders Mol and Christian Sørum of Norway the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship in Adelaide, Australia, on Wednesday.

The Norwegians ended up winning in a tie-break set: 2-1 (18-21, 21-14, 15-11) in the round of 32 eliminating the Canadian pair.

The Canadian team started off in control of the match against the two-time Olympic medalists from Norway.

"Jonny was unconscious at the net, making amazing plays and serves. We started off hot and ready to battle,” said Schachter, “but those guys are best in the world for a reason, and they responded extremely well in the second set and just a couple of hiccups in the third cost us. … We played at an extremely high level today and we’re proud of our performance."

Playing in his first World Championship, Pickett impressed his teammate and competitors.

"Growing up and watching those players on YouTube back home in Wiarton (Ontario), I always aspired to play in a meaningful game with guys like that. I’m just glad I was able to share this moment with Sam and our coach (Srdjan Veckov). It was special!” said Pickett.

The Canadian men end the tournament ranked 17th overall.

On Thursday, Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, 2024 Olympic silver medalists, face Spain’s Daniela Álvarez Mendoza and Tania Moreno (ranked 18) in the round of 16 at 8 pm local time in Adelaide, which translates to 4:30 am EST.

Mel and Brandie are the last remaining Canadian team at this tournament.

Note: Local times listed are Australian Central Daylight Time, which is 15 and a half hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

VBTV offers worldwide coverage of all matches, and in Canada CBC Sports streams matches live as well.

Schedule and results: https://bit.ly/4qUvzw1

Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
1.613.794.7676 (WhatsApp)