Dutch duo qualifies for semi-final at 2012 Shanghai Grand Slam – Volleyball news
The defending champions of the 2012 Shanghai Grand Slam women’s beach volleyball tournament Sanne Keizer and Marleen Van Iersel of the Netherlands clawed their way to the semi-finals by defeating Spain in the quarter-final match on Friday.
The Dutch tandem was challenged by Liliana and Baquerizo of Spain in the important qualifying match. The resilient rivals from Spain gave a really tough competition to Dutch team but eventually dropped the decision in Netherland’s favour.
Dutch Keizer-Iersel took a good start in the match and came up with a convincing play in the first set. They managed to overcome the Spanish team and secured opening set 21-16. In the next set, Liliana- Baquerizo hit back aggressively and covered the deficit
by winning second set (21-19). Third decisive set took many different turns and spectators moved back & forth in their seats. Nonetheless, Dutch pair claimed third set with two-point margin (16-14) and booked a slot in the final four. Keizer shared her thoughts
after their victory in the match.
She stated, “I think it was a bit too exciting. It is always tough to play against Spain. They are a really good team, but we played well. They are a very good team and always give us problems.”
She further added, “We knew we had a chance to come back because in pool play you can come back, but you have to go the long way and we did. We kept fighting and trying to play our own game and I hope we can play better now we are in the semifinals.”
The Dutch pair had very start in the Main Draw as they lost both of their opening matches. The loss of two matches in a row put a big question mark on their performance and disappointed the fans. They even faced the prospect of an early disqualification
from the tournament. Nonetheless, the duo made a great comeback and shook off the bad impression by improving in the next matches.
The Dutch pair will now face Brazil’s Talita-Antonelli in the second semi-final of the 2012 Shanghai Open.
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