Dutch duo earns a spot in the qualification tournament at Morocco Open – Beach Volleyball
The Dutch pairing of Jon Stiekema and Christiaan Varenhorst worked out a great performance at the Country Quota Playoffs on Day-1 of the Morocco Open Beach Volleyball tournament. The duo of Stiekema/ Varenhorst went up against compatriots Dirk Boehle and
Erik Nijland on Tuesday, October 4 nad claimed victory.
The beautiful beaches of Aqadir welcomed 84 teams from 31 countries from around the world. In the men’s section, CQ Playoffs featured two teams for Netherlands.
Stiekema/ Varenhorst finished the game in two straight sets by posting 21-11 and 21-12 and it took them only 27 minutes. Success enabled the winning pair to book a slot in the qualification tournament. It was the only country quota match, which was played
on the opening day of the tournament.
Taking full advantage of their better height and physique, the tandem of Stiekema and Varenhorst opened the match on strong footing. They formed a nice combo and developed good chemistry between them. The other Dutch pair could not match their performance
and suffered. Stiekema/ Varenhorst built up an early lead and further added quick points to widen the gap between them and their rivals. They continued with success and sealed the first set victory at 21-11.
The situation remained exactly the same in the following set. Stiekema/ Varenhorst kept an upper hand on the challengers and moved ahead at a fast pace. The second set ended in their favour and they announced match victory over Boehle and Nijland.
Varenhorst stated: “It was a very easy game for us. We just hit the ball high and deep. They only won a few rally points; we had all the side-outs.” On the other hand, Boehle also had his say about the match as he commented: “We are just happy that we were
given the opportunity to play here. But it was difficult playing against these tall guys. But despite our elimination we will stay here a few more days to train and enjoy the beach in Agadir.”
The winning squad secured a spot in the qualification tournament and this is going to be the fifth time in the 2011 season that Stiekema/ Varenhorst settled for the second stage of the tournament. On the other hand, Boehle and Nijland appeared at their first
World Tour event and it was only a learning experience for them.
Overall, a total of 58 men’s teams from 26 countries have entered the $190,000 single gender Morocco Open. This is the first time that Morocco is hosting the SWATCH FIVB World Tour event. Previously, South Africa was the only African country which had hosted
the international circuit event.
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