Recap of women’s Country Quota Playoffs of the 2011 Brasilia Open - Brazil
The 2011 SWATCH FIVB World Tour started off with the double-gender event of Brasilia Open on Sunday, April 17.
Around 140 beach volleyball duos (61 women’s and 79 men’s) from 35 different countries of the world made their way to the sands of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year’s SWATCH FIVB Opener (Brasilia Open) is offering prize money of $380,000 to the victorious
duos.
This edition of the Brasilia Open marked the 258th men’s and 218 women’s event. The tournament is underway in full intensity and it will be continued till next Saturday, April 23.
The Tournament was kicked off with the “Country Quota Playoffs” on Sunday. A total of six women’s duos from Brazil were up for the challenge on Sunday. They had to fight for the three empty slots in the “Qualification Tournament” on Monday. Four of Brazil’s
high ranked teams were already in the 32-Team Main Draw Stage, while the host country is allowed to have 7 entries in the Main-Draw.
The schedule of the Brazilian CQ matches was as followed:
Lese Lima and Vieira vs. Elize Maia-Bezerra Shaylyn and Leao vs. Luana and Lili Renata and Soares vs. Raquel and Semirames
At the end of the opening day of the tournament, the duos of Renata/Soares, Luana/Lili and Lima/Vieira emerged as successful teams. They defeated their opponents with a better score and settled for the second round of the tournament.
In the first Country Quota fixture of Brazil, Renata/Soares and Raquel/Semirames staged a wonderful performance. The match lasted for 36 minutes and kept the fans on the tip of their toes, all the time. The former proved to be better and posted 2-0 (22-20,
21-14) victory over Raquel/Semirames.
The opening set of the match was a close fight. Both sides had the ambition to clinch victory. The pairing of Renata/Soares started out with good points. They had mastered great skills to drag the other side under pressure. Raquel/Semirames defended well
but could not stop the rising score of Renata/Soares. The first set experienced many ups and downs and there were actually moments when Raquel enjoyed a great form. However, the duo of Renata/Soares outshone the rival side with 2-point lead at 22-20.
They attained a great rhythm to carve their names in the winners’ corner after first-set win. They kept the same energy in following set and stormed opponent’s half with great spikes.
Meanwhile, Raquel/Semirames committed frequent unforced errors and went totally down. The second set also came successful for Renata/Soares and they claimed the match-victory in 36th minute of the game.
Renata was overjoyed with the amazing start in the Brasilia Open. She shared her thoughts after the match.
She stated, “After having a baby I haven't been on the courts for very long. I played the National Tour last year and since this January I've been practising to play on the World Tour again. In Brasilia my partner is Michelle Soares, but I don't know who
I will play with for the rest of the international season. I'm feeling good technically and physically, like before I stopped playing to have my baby.”
In the second Country Quota match, the duo of Luana and Lili launched their authority on the pairing of Shaylyn and Leao. With better defence and spike abilities, Luana/Lili managed to take control of the game and finished with the final score of 2-0 (21-11,
21-16). The victorious team of second CQ was uncovered in 32 minutes’ play.
The tandem of Lese Lima and Vieira joined the successful teams of the day in third CQ match. They were challenged by Elize Maia and Bezerra in the last competition of Brazilian teams on Sunday. Lese Lima showed her wonderful tactics and played an instrumental
role in her team’s victory. Likewise, Vieira perfectly complimented her partner and never missed a chance to score points. They comfortably held off Elize/Bezerra for 2-0 (22-20, 21-14) victory.
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