German pair clinches success at Country Quota Playoffs – Volleyball news
Three female tandems from Germany competed at the Country Quota Playoffs of 2012 Beijing Grand Slam in China, which took place on Monday.
The pairing of Melanie Gernert and Anja Günther defeated the other two fellow German teams and advanced to the Qualifying stage of the tournament. They defeated Victoria Bieneck/Julia Grossner in the first match and then overpowered Karla Borger/Brittta
Buthe to complete the winning streak of two matches. Victorious German duo finished the day with outstanding 2-0 record and clinched the qualification berth.
The Chaoyang Park in Beijing hosted the thrilling encounter and spectators enjoyed the beach volleyball action. The hot weather created a bit trouble for players but still they put on great show.
First off, Gernert/Gunther defeated Bieneck-Großner in straight sets of 2-0 (21-18, 21-15). The opening set of the match was point-to-point battle as both teams staged an energetic play. The spectators saw an exchange of long rallies, while score shifted
up with close gaps. Bieneck-Großner gave a good competition to compatriots but could not avoid the loss of opening stanza.
Gernert/Gunther carried the momentum into next set and successful dragged the opponents under pressure. Bieneck-Großner trailed behind and the gap of points kept increasing. They ended up with a total of 15 points in second set, while Gernert/Gunther touched
the finish line.
In the next match, Gernert/Gunther clashed with better ranked Borger/Buthe, who created a lot of trouble in the first set. They influenced Gernert and Gunther with variety of attack shots and showed great digging and diving on sand. The opening frame of
the second match truly imitated a heated competition. The score tied quite few times and both sides regularly traded lead. In the end, Gernert/Gunther had to give in as rivals sent 22-20 on board. It was the first loss of the day for Gernert and Gunther.
Nevertheless, they grasped the game plan of Borger/Buthe and came up with better strategy in the following set. They took some time to get their form back but managed to return in the game. Borger-Buthe lost second set with 3-point deficit and game score
tied at 1-1.
In the third decisive set, Gernert-Gunther posted 15-11 and clinched success in the match.
The actual action will take centre stage in the Main Draw of the competition, which is slated for Wednesday. The defending champions May-Treanor/Walsh of the USA and other top teams such as China’s Chen Xue-Zhang Xi, Maria Antonelli-Talita Antunes from Brazil
will hit the centre court. The American pair is determined to defend the title, while home duo of Xue-Zhang Xi is also eyeing third title on 2012 SWATCH FIVB World Tour.
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