Three German pairs earned qualifying berths via playoffs – Volleyball News
The Country Quota Playoffs of the 2012 SWATCH FIVB Smart Grand Slam Berlin took place on Tuesday, July 10 and three female tandems from Germany reserved berths in the qualifying round of the tournament.
Banck-Walkenhorst emerged as the first team to qualify for the next stage of the tournament via CQs. They were challenged by compatriots Mersmann-Tillmann, who accepted defeat in 36 minutes. Opening frame of the match was sort of a one-sided affair as Banck-Walkenhorst launched full authority on the competitors. Commanding serves coupled with solid hits enabled the team to add a flurry of points. Moreover, better digging and diving allowed Banck-Walkenhorst to control the score of opponents. First set ended at 21-14 and Banck-Walkenhorst earned the lead 1-0.
Mersmann-Tillmann hit back in the following set. There were actually moments in the second set when Mersmann-Tillmann came really close to Banck-Walkenhorst. After a tough competition, Banck-Walkenhorst finished second set at 23-21 and announced match victory.
In the next match, Gernert-Günther clashed with Aulenbrock-Laboureur. The second Germany CQ match spanned over three sets and continued for 50 minutes. It was a nerve taking experience for both teams on the centre court. Aulenbrock-Laboureur started out well and secured opening set of the match with two points. The raged-up Gernert-Günther took a sweet revenge by winning the following set, 21-14. The game score tied at the end of second set, which forced a third frame in the match.
Aulenbrock-Laboureur controlled the operations of the game in third set and successfully captured 15-point golden set. They closed the final set with three-point lead and settled for match victory.
The duo of Bieneck and Großner also joined the winners of qualifying spots after beating Hüttermann and Behrens. The two sides contested their skills for almost 32 minutes and showed a thirst for victory. Bieneck and Großner had good chemistry between them, which allowed the team to dismiss the rival side. Both sets of the match ended with identical score of 21-18, while the credit was given to Bieneck – Großner.
In the next run, the German duos will compete in the Qualification Tournament of Smart Grand Slam Berlin.
The 18th-seeded German team Banck-Walkenhorst is scheduled to take on 15th-seeded French team of Giaoui and Benhamou. Likewise, Bieneck-Großner will take on Swiss duo of Kayser and Heidrich. Aulenbrock-Laboureur will be challenged by Great Britain’s Mullin-Dampney.
All three matches are likely to create a lot of buzz on the centre court. Home duos will be equipped with emotional support of local fans, which is likely to put a nice effect on team’s performance.
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