Slukova & Hermannova celebrate Cancun redemption

Few things are more frustrating in beach volleyball than losing three-set matches. Marketa Slukova and Barbora Hermannova had that experience twice in the first FIVB World Tour 4-star event in the Cancun Hub and were eliminated in pool play last week, but it looks like the Czechs are set for a more prolific campaign in the second tournament in Mexico.

Slukova and Hermannova were on the good side of their three-set opening match on Friday and defeated Germans Julia Sude and Karla Borger 2-1 (21-10, 17-21, 15-7) in Pool A. The result not only ended the Czechs’ struggles in Mexico but also guaranteed a place in the elimination round of the tournament at the Playa Delfines.

“It’s always frustrating when you take matches to three sets and can’t win,” Slukova, a two-time Olympian, reflected. “But I didn’t think we played terribly last week, it was more about not being able to close matches. We made some adjustments for this week, especially with trying to put more pressure on our serves, Barbora played a great match and it seems like we’re headed in a better direction this time.”

The two have already secured a place in the elimination round, but could find themselves in an even better spot if they top their pool, which would put them straight into the Round of 16. To do that, they will need to defeat top-seeded Brazilians Agatha Bednarczuk and Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa, who won bronze in the first tournament and debuted in the second with a 2-0 (21-10, 21-10) victory over Mexicans Maria Quintero and Susana Torres.

“I believe they’re the clear favourites because the level of consistency they have is exactly what we’re trying to develop now,” the defender added. “But we’re already qualified for the elimination round and that takes the pressure off us. We’ll try to see what we can come up with from a tactical standpoint and play freely and hopefully that leads us to a good match.”

The top spot of Pool B will go to a Canadian team as reigning world champions Sarah Pavan Melissa Humana-Paredes and the winners of the 2018 Chetumal Open Heather Bansley and Brandie Wilkerson won the opening matches against the Netherlands’ Emi van Driel/Mexime van Driel and USA’ Kerri Walsh Jennings/Brooke Sweat respectively.

The biggest upset of the day came by the hands of Dutch qualifiers Raisa Schoon and Katja Stam, who took down the bronze medallists of the 2019 FIVB World Championship Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho of Australia with a 2-1 (22-20, 16-21, 15-10). They will now face Americans Kelly Claes and Sarah Sponcil for the top spot in Pool C.

Pool play will conclude on Saturday, when the matches for the Round of 24 and Round of 16 will also be played. The quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for Sunday and the medal matches for Monday.

Main draw matches in Cancun are streamed live on the Beach Volleyball World Youtube channel. Subscribe, log in and set reminders to receive notifications when streams begin.

Go to:
Cancun Hub - 2nd event
Cancun Hub - 2nd event - Match schedule
Provisional Olympic ranking - Men
Provisional Olympic ranking - Women

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