MACEIÓ – Germany, Czech Republic, United States, Spain and Canada reached the semi-finals of the 6th World University Beach Volleyball Championship.
In the women’s tournament, the German team Laboureur/Schumacher lost against the Spanish Hopf/Simon while Ross/Day (USA) beat Bonnerova/Hermannova (CZE).
In the men’s semi-finals the Spanish duo Garcia/Marco played Canadians Pedlow/O’Gorman and Luciano/Alvaro (BRA) competed against Dolinger/Shroder (GER) ending in victories for Spain and Germany.
Finals
Ross/Day (USA) and Dollinger/Schröder (GER) won the gold at the 6th World University Beach Volleyball Championship, held in Maceió (AL), from September 12th to 16th.
In the decisive game of the women’s tournament, the Americans faced the Spanish duo Hopf/Simon. Despite the support of the Brazilian fans for the Spanish team, Ross/Day dominated the game winning in two sets (21/16 and 21/19). “It was my first international university tournament and a very tough competition. And this medal is important for me, as I want to continue my career in volleyball and hopefully reach the highest level, the Olympics”, celebrated Ross, aged 19, and one of the promising US players for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. “I love Brazil, I want to bring my family, preferably during the Olympics”, she added.
In the men’s final, the game was played between Schroder/Dollinger (GER) and Marco/Garcia (ESP), the current European Beach Volleyball Champions. The Germans, with the efficient blocks of Dollinger with his 2.02 m, and the precise attacks of Schroder, won the game in two sets (21/17 and 21/19). The duo celebrated its first title and prolonged the German hegemony in International University Beach Volleyball as Germany also won the gold in 2010, at the 5th WUC in Turkey, with Rhode/Kohker. “We really wanted this medal. We lost a game in the third round that made our way longer and more difficult in the tournament which had a very strong level. We made the toughest match against Brazil in the semi-finals, which went point-to-point”, said Schroder. This was the second tournament for Dollinger/Schroder, a duo that will stay together for next year targeting the FIVB World Tour. “We played together for the second time and now we form a partnership to try to enter the highest level. We know it’s a road even more difficult and longer, but we will try to return to Brazil for the Olympics”, said Schroder.
Podium femmes
Host Brazil also took the podium at the 2012 WUC Beach Volleyball. In a close race for the bronze, decided point-by-point, Luciano/Alvaro defeated the Canadians Pedlow/O’Gorman, 2-1. It is the first medal for Brazil in the WUC Beach Volleyball. “This was my last WUC. In 2014 I will have passed the 28 years age limit. Playing with Álvaro and winning this first Brazilian medal in the WUC is an accomplishment that for me has the value of a gold medal”, said Luciano.
Spanish athlete Alejandra Simon, runner-up in the 2012 WUC also thanked the public of Maceió for its support. “It’s my second time in Brazil and the first in the Northeast. The competition was fantastic and high level. We reached the final and received the support of the fans. The people are amazing here. The smiles and energy were crucial for us on the court.
Podium hommes
Edinilton Vasconcelos, president of the Local Organizing Committee of the WUC, thanked all athletes for their presence and the spectacle they brought to the court, honoring the public of Maceió and Brazil with high level sport. During the Closing Ceremony, held on the sands of Pajuçara beach, the FISU flag was handed to Portugal, the next host of the World University Beach Volleyball Championship in 2014.
(Source: Pollyanna Pádua, CBDU Communications – Photos: Thiago Parmalat)
RESULTS
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