Australian pair stumble in 2011 Beijing Grand Slam – Volleyball news
The Australian Women’s pairing of Natalie Cook and Tara West competed at the second stage of 2011 Beijing Grand Slam on Tuesday, June 7. The Aussie duo contested its spike and block capabilities against the Dutch team, which comprised of Madelein Meppelink
and Marloes Wesselink. Cook/West were only one step away from the Main-Draw stage but the resilient rivals crushed their dream to move ahead. Meppelink/Wesselink showed no mercy and thrashed 2-1 (21-14, 13-21, and 15-12) victory over them.
The Dutch players started off in an impressive way and easily managed overcome the Aussies in the opening set of the match. They picked up a strong lead and kept their dominance until the set-points. The second set was a bit different as Cook/West demonstrated
better play and took the initiative from their opponents. The score tied after a two-set game and Aussies had a fair chance to make a difference but they dropped the third set with a 3-point margin. The Australian team is now out of the competition.
Natalie Cook and Tara West are pursuing their dream of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Previously Cook has appeared in four Olympic Games with different partners. This is the first time that she is playing with her young partner Tara West.
They worked out a great performance at the national level. Together they achieved bronze-medal victory at the 2011 Australian National Beach Volleyball Championship, which was held in the month of March. However, the duo could not advance from the Qualification
Tournament at the 2011 Beijing Grand Slam.
Cook was embarrassed for not being able to take advantage of the opportunity. She said that they could have done better in the third set but they played under pressure and couldn’t deal with the fast-moving serves of the Dutch players. She was disappointed
but expressed hope for the next week in Italy. The loss in the current match has lessened their chances to live-up to their Olympic dream. Nonetheless, the hope is still there. The only difference is that now they will be required to stage a flawless performance.
All the focus has now shifted to the next week game in Rome.
The 36-year-old Natalie Cook has a lot of faith in her new team-mate, Tara West. She said they are working on developing perfect chemistry between themselves. Since this is the first time they are playing together at an international event, it will take
them some time to get into real form.
After the successful completion of Beijing Grand Slam in China, the SWATCH FIVB World Tour will make the next stop in Italy. The mega event of Beach Volleyball World Championship is scheduled to take place from June 13-19. The Italian Capital Rome will be
the host of World Championship.
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