Brazilian duo earns a spot in the final match of 2012 Brasilia Open – Volleyball news
The Brazilian female duo of Talita and Antonelli advanced to the finals of 2012 Brasilia Open by defeating Italian counterparts on Thursday.
The crucial semi-final match continued for 55 minutes and featured three set game. Talita/Antonelli won the match with two sets to one, while the final sets scores were 20-22, 21-18, and 15-11. Cicolari-Menegatti of Italy went against the home team in the
semi-final but failed to match their performance with the local pair.
The emotional support of home crowd played a big role in Talita/Antonelli’s victory. The game score tied at the end of second set but fans encouraged the local players to finish the match on a winning note. All three frames of the match were full of thrilling
and exciting moments. The fans thoroughly enjoyed the hot action of beach volleyball.
The action kicked off with powerful serve aces by the Brazilians. The hosts tried to put pressure on Italian duo but faced utmost resistance. Menegatti of Italy exhibited a spectacular performance and claimed points by directing her shots in rare gaps. The
game continued at high pace, while both teams exchanged long rallies. After an incredibly close competition, Italian side came on top with narrow lead of two points, 22-20.
The home duo suffered the early set back and entered the second set of the match with firm ambition to cover up the deficit. Both Talita and Antonelli complimented each other and quickly traded places to dig the speed bombs by Italian rivals. With a display
of solid defence, they managed to push the Italians behind. Eventually, the secured second set by sending 21-18 on board.
Third set created an opportunity for both sides to clinch success in the match. However, Brazilian duo proved to be better and claimed the final set, 15-11. Italian team fought bravely but had to give it to the hosts.
Next up, the two finalist teams i.e. Talita-Antonelli of Brazil and Xue-Zhang Xi of China will cross their ways in the final match of the competition. Only one of them will go on top but the champion will be declared after the influential final match slated
for Friday at 10:30 (local time).
Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larissa Franca of Brazil secured the top slot in previous edition of the tournament but the defending championship could not make to finals this year. China’s Xue/Zhang Xi proved to be a detractor for Juliana/Larissa and sidelined
them in semi-final match on Thursday.
Likewise, the American duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, which finished second at the 2011 Brasilia Open, failed to qualify for the finals. They displayed good effort but could not advance from the Main-Draw stage.
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