2016-09-16 19:51:00 CET
Two teams make it through after two defeats
If Olympic gold medalists Ludwig/Walkenhorst are going to clinch another first place on the podium this week then they’re going to do it the hard way!
They surprised the crowds at the Swatch World Tour Finals in Toronto by losing both their pool play matches yesterday and today they were pushed all the way by home heroes Bansley/Wilkerson.
Just like on Thursday the Germans won the first set but lost the second in a dramatic spectacle watched by one of the biggest crowds of the tournament so far. Bansley/Wilkerson struck back in the second 21-18 to the delight of the Canadian beach fans.
However, Laura and Kira stepped it up a gear in the decider to clinch a place in the quarterfinals and seriously mouthwatering clash against April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings. This is a game you definitely cannot afford to miss!
“It will be tough, playing Kerri and April always is,” said Laura. “Hopefully we serve tough and get them in a bit of struggle. We knew after yesterday we had to come out and play stronger and that’s what we did.”
There was also joy for Australians Bawden/Clancy on Court 2 as the two teams who went to Rio went head-to-head. Just like Ludwig/Walkenhorst, Louise and Taliqua lost both of their pool play games but surged into the quarterfinals and a clash with Swiss duo Heidrich/Zumkehr.
"Lili and Elsa are an experienced team and they’ve been on the Tour a lot longer that I have," said Taliqua. "We respect them a lot and we know how great they are, so we know we have to bring our best when we play them. They are pretty similar to us, very physical so it’s a hustling game and it’s a big game. Today we just made very sure that we were calm and patient, sticking together as a team. Today we brought better service pressure, and you need that on the World Tour."
Keep an eye on our live stream for all the matches direct from Polson Pier to find out which women make the Saturday’s semifinals!
We discover which teams served, spiked and sided-out the best…
Sometimes there are more important things in life than beach volleyball