The CEV European Continental Cup, France: Serbia men capture final victory in the Sub-Zonal tournament at Montpellier
The CEV European Continental Cup was the Sub-Zonal tournament for Pool D teams, which included France, Serbia, Israel and the Netherlands. The tournament was the seventh leg of the qualification round and was held from 24-26 September, 2010 in Montpellier,
France. The successful pairs earned a berth in the mega event of 2011 European Beach Volleyball Cup.
The event was kicked off on Saturday and scores of local and international fans witnessed the combat. France was expected to take advantage of the home-sand and capture victory but guest teams outshined and pushed them behind. France and Serbia reached the
final match. Serbia proved to be the better team in men’s division and took the final match away from hosts.
Match overview
The final showdown of the tournament brought Jovic/Markovic of Serbia and Ces Brothers of France for a nail-biting competition. The native boys started out with perfect flow and achieved better status in first set. Serbian pair was more focused on defence
and attempted less attacks. The team France was actually thrilled with the support of fans and performed in a great way. They exhibited good blocking, and exceptional digging in the court saved them many points. Joivic and Markovic of Serbia went through a
transition phase and frequently traded places. In the meantime, France’s Kevin and Andy attacked from back-court and took the match by storm. The Serbs lagged behind in the points’ run, while home-team achieved the set-point. Afterwards, nothing could stop
them from announcing first set-win. They posted 21-15 over Serbs and created a chance for the local audience to give them a standing ovation for brilliant game.
The sense of victory put them in a great mood and French pair followed the same strategy in second set. Somehow, fired-up Serbian pair planned revenge. They produced sharp jump-serves, which cruised past French Guys’ legs. Ces Brothers incorporated powerful
under-hand shots but couldn’t hinder Jovic/Markovic from raising their score. Serbia was back in business and attained the commanding position in match. The fans showed great sportsmanship by appreciating the work of visiting team. The arena was rocked with
their uproar at every shot. Serbia’s pair extended their lead and pushed the score to finish line.
Andy and Kevin staged good fight and continued their endeavour. Nonetheless, the luck was standing on the other side and Serbian team took more advantage of the situation. Jovic and Markovic returned the first set’s score and got into the boots of winners.
The remarkable defence and consistency in attack earned second-set victory at 21-18. The game was tied with a score of 1-1 and it added more fury in the game. French pair of Andy Ces and Kevin Ces re-aligned their positions in third position and seemed determined
to take their pride back.
The suspense and anxiety prevailed on the whole scene. Fans were desperately waiting for the final outcome. The 15-point golden set was the only chance for teams to prove their skills. Serbia was all pumped-up to defeat French team and earn the ticket to
2011 Beach Volleyball Tournament. The final set began with the sloppy serves from French side. The start was not good, as it posed a weak impression on other side.
Anyhow, the real disaster started when Serbia didn’t give them a chance to rest. They kept on hitting the ball in French court and put pressure on them with good timing. Serbia picked up a lead of 13-11 and moved ahead swiftly. The hosts France failed to
chase the score and lost the final set. Serbia pulled off a meaningful victory in the Montpellier Continental Cup and confirmed their participation in the 2011 Beach Volleyball Cup.
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