Beach Volleyball update: Take a glance at Kerri Walsh’s big achievement at the end of 2010 season
The final event of the SWATCH FIVB World Tour Calendar rounded off on Sunday, 7th November, 2010 in Phuket, Thailand. The year’s biggest beach volleyball activity, the Phuket Open Tournament attracted more than 100 beach volleyball duos from around
the world. In addition, thousands of passionate fans also made their presence felt at the Karen beach in Thailand. The Phuket Open Tournament provided great entertainment to people watching the action live on their television screens. Many heated competitions
and interesting encounters were staged on the sand.
The American duo of Kerri Walsh and Nicole Branagh was the most highlighted pair of the tournament as they clawed their way to the title trophy. They successfully captured the gold-ware at US$190,000 Phuket Open Tournament powered by PTT. Walsh/Branagh outplayed
Marta Menegatti and Valeria Rosso of Italy with the help of 2-1 (21-23, 21-14, and 15-11).
It was Kerri Walsh’s 39th career SWATCH FIVB World Tour gold medal victory. This particular victory has enabled Walsh to lead women’s side in most title wins. She captured 38 gold-medals together with her former partner Misty May-Treanor. On the
other hand, it was also a big achievement for Italian pair to play at this level. Menegatti and Rosso were the first team, which represented Italy in a gold medal match on SWATCH FIVB World Tour.
First Set
The pumped up Italians performed in a great way. They started out with perfect serves and defended their positions very well. The first set of the match was a see-saw battle. Both sides attacked each other and traded the lead regularly. The U.S. pair had
the expert hitter, Kerri Walsh who created a lot of buzz in the game. She gave a hard time to Italians to put up with her strike. The score soared up with fast speed but situation remained undecided until the ending moments. Ultimately, luck favoured Italian
Menegatti/Rosso and they clinched first-set victory by sending 23-21.
Second Set
The American duo was raged up after dropping the first set. They paid close attention to the movement of their competitors and grasped the game plan. Walsh stormed Italy’s half with electrifying spikes and powerful shots. They built a strong lead in the
early few minutes and pushed Italian ladies behind the attack line. Walsh/Branagh attained the perfect rhythm and tone in the second set. The stellar performance of American pair earned them 21-14 victory in second set.
Third Set
The 15-point golden set was the real test of the attack and defence capabilities of both teams. However, Walsh/Branagh proved to be too good for Italian team and clinched third set by polling 15-11. The overall score of 2-1 allowed Americans to declare the
gold-medal victory.
Kerri Walsh was much delighted about the amazing triumph. She said, "It feels like a new world to me because all that I have accomplished is so far behind me. This win is so special to me; it’s my first win as a mother of two. I would feel better about
it if I had played better in the last match. I’m bummed I let the nerves get to me. I’ve played some big matches in big settings, but today I was nervous.”
Likewise Rosso of Italy also commented about the match. She regretted to be on the losing side but she was happy with the fact that this campaign offered them a lot of learn. Rosso said,
"We really came here to win gold, it was not enough to just be here. We made it this far due to our service game, but today we weren’t serving very well. I feel like we both grew up a lot here.”
Bronze Medal Match
In the bronze medal competition, Carolina and Maria Clara Salgado of Brazil clashed with Dutch pair, which comprised of Sanne Keizer and Marlene Van Iersel. The victory graced Brazilian side as they posted 21-17 and 21-14 in two consecutive sets.
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