Review: Hamilton Open Beach Volleyball Tournament in New Zealand
The Hamilton Open Beach Volleyball Tournament completed its run from Friday, 14 January, to Sunday, 16 January, in New Zealand. Both men and women participated zealously in the tournament. In the female category, Germany’s Sara Goller and Laura Ludwig marched
away with the gold-ware. They were challenged by Great Britain’s Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin in the final showdown. The German duo performed exquisitely and held off GB team in straight sets. In men’s division, the home duo of Sam and Ben O’Dea secured
the title by launching their power on Paul Becker and Valetin Begemann of Germany. The “final four” matches were played on Sunday, 16 January.
Women’s Title
The pairing of German Sara Goller and Laura Ludwig worked out a great performance since the start of Hamilton Open tournament. They paved their way to the final match and clashed with the GB duo of Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin. Victory graced German team
as they managed to crush the opponents by sending 2-0 (24-22, 21-15).
The opening set of the final encounter was a close fight. The German pair started out with prolific jump serves and hit the ball with full power. On the other hand, the English pair responded in the same tone and returned the ball in German half. The Germans
came strong on the rival side and managed to steal points from them. The equally active GB players didn’t let the Germans to take the game away from them. In the meanwhile, the score soared up with narrow gap and first-set inched its way to an end. The point-to-point
battle continued until the ending moments. Ultimately, the German side got the perfect kill to close the first set with a two-point margin.
The German players took full advantage of first-set victory and head-started the next set with confident shots. They picked up an early lead and further stretched the gap of points. GB team was restricted to a low score, while the Germans were on the tip
of their toes. They added quick points and covered the length of second set swiftly. GB duo suffered the set back and received 15-21 defeat in the set. Germans claimed match victory and got hold of the title trophy.
The gold medal victory at the Hamilton Open will certainly benefit the German pair in the upcoming 2011 FIVB Beach Volleyball SWATCH World Tour.
In the third position match, Great Britain’s Lucy Boulto and Denise Johns came across Austrian pair of Eliza Dean and Katie Bartoli. The GB team successfully dismantled the power of competitors and clinched the bronze ware by posting 2-0 (21-19, 21-11) on
board.
Men’s Title
The home pairing of Sam and Ben O’Dea proved their endeavour in the men’s competitions. They gave an amazing performance and received huge applause from local fans. In the final match of the Hamilton Open, they saw off Germany’s Paul Becker and Valetin Begemann.
The home duo posted 2-1 (19-21, 21-11, and 15-10) victory over German team and secured the title.
The home team lost the first set of the game as Germans smashed convincing shots and finished the set with a 2-point lead. However, the O’Dea brothers hit back strongly in the following set and covered the deficit of the first set. They levelled the game
by capturing second set and kept on moving ahead. The 15-point golden set also ended in O’Dea brothers’ favour, which declared them as winners of the Hamilton Open.
In the bronze medal match, Australian duo Damon Haenga and Michael Watson defeated the home pairing of Brendan Heath and Edwin O’Dea.
The New Zealand Beach Volleyball Tour will make the next stop at Karepiro and then Mt. Maunganui will host the New Open Tournament.
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