by Jayita A Belcourt
Beijing/China (Saturday, May 12, 2012) – The FIVB Beach Volleyball Grand Slam event in Beijing, on Day 4 was down to business with semis / finals in the women’s and top 16 single elimination matches in Round 2 of the men’s.
Brazil’s Larissa/Julianna powered through their semi-final match crushing the German’s #18 seeds Holtwick/Semmler 21-18, 21-17. Whilst the Germans had some good offensive play, the Brazilians looked in charge throughout the match and never really looked in any real danger. The #3 seeds, chasing a gold medal performance after a number of disappointing finishes at the Beijing Grand Slam in previous years, were overjoyed to be in the finals.
“This tournament is very special for us because we lost the last tournament and now I hope we win here. I really hope for good match and to win the first place,” Julianna said.
Keen to stop the Brazilians on their gold medal quest were the Italian pair Cicolari/Menegatti.
The #10 seeds, yet to win a FIVB tournament, came into the finals with 2/3 wins of the last meets.
“This final is very important for us. It will be our first gold medal match on tour. We believe we can win,” Menegatti said.
Eager to make their mark on the 2012 season, #3 seeds defeated the Italian duo in 33 minutes with a convincing win 21-16, 21-18. The victory brought the current world champions their 43rd FIVB Beach Volleyball SWATCH world title and $43 000 in prize money.
“This tournament was very good for us, because we played well and got back our confidence. Now, I’ll go back to Brazil and train hard to prepare for the next tournament,” Julianna said.
The Netherland #6 seeds, Keizer/Van Iersel narrowly defeated the German pair Holtwick/Semmler 21-14, 24-26, 16-14 to secure the bronze medal.
The next 2012 swatch world tour women’s event will be in Russia 6-11 June. |
When USA Volleyball does something right, we have to give credit where credit is due. Right about now, the folks that make up our organizing body are looking like geniuses. No kidding.
