The excitement continues for Kelly Claes and Sarah Sponcil as they claimed yet another victory at the 2021 J&T Banka Ostrava Beach Open. Just a week after their first FIVB World Tour title, the dynamic duo secured gold once again by defeating Switzerland’s Anouk Verge-Depre and Joana Heidrich in the final match with a score of 2-0 (21-18, 21-15). This flawless performance throughout the week resulted in a perfect 6-0 record.
Their triumph in Ostrava has even more significance as it solidifies their spot in the Tokyo Olympic Games. While Brooke Sweat and Kerri Walsh Jennings had a disappointing outing in the four-star Olympic qualifier, Claes and Sponcil secured their nomination through their outstanding performance. The gold medal they earned in Ostrava would have guaranteed them a berth regardless.
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Claes and Sponcil showcased their skills and resilience during the intense gold medal match. Despite the strong plays made by Verge-Depre and Heidrich, Claes mentioned that they stayed focused on their own game and executed their strategy effectively. Sponcil expressed their determination to prioritize the tournament at hand, setting aside their recent achievements, and ultimately emerged victorious.
The American teams dominated the competition in Ostrava, with Taylor Crabb and Jake Gibb, as well as Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena, also securing their Olympic nominations. Furthermore, four other American pairs reached the knockout stages. Alix Klineman and April Ross advanced to the quarterfinals before withdrawing, while Kelley Kolinske and Emily Stockman, as well as Tri Bourne and Trevor Crabb, fell in the Round of 16.
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Despite experiencing setbacks, the athletes remain optimistic and motivated for future tournaments. Dalhausser and Lucena left the Ostrava four-star after pool play, marking their first time outside of the top nine in 2021. Sweat and Walsh Jennings, along with Theo Brunner and Chaim Schalk, were eliminated in the second round of qualification.
While Olympic qualification has concluded, there is still one four-star tournament left on the FIVB schedule before the Tokyo Games kick off. The teams that competed in Ostrava are tentatively scheduled to participate in the Gstaad tournament in Switzerland from July 6-11. This event serves as a final opportunity to fine-tune their skills and strategies before the highly anticipated Olympic Games.
FAQs
Q: How many FIVB World Tour titles have Kelly Claes and Sarah Sponcil won?
A: The 2021 J&T Banka Ostrava Beach Open marked their second FIVB World Tour title.
Q: Which teams secured their Olympic nominations in addition to Kelly Claes and Sarah Sponcil?
A: Taylor Crabb and Jake Gibb, as well as Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena, also secured their Olympic nominations in Ostrava.
Q: What is the next tournament before the Tokyo Olympic Games?
A: The Gstaad tournament in Switzerland, scheduled from July 6-11, is the final opportunity for teams to compete before the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Summary
Kelly Claes and Sarah Sponcil continue to shine as they claim another gold medal at the 2021 J&T Banka Ostrava Beach Open. Their flawless performance throughout the tournament not only secured them the championship but also secured their place in the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games. Alongside them, Taylor Crabb and Jake Gibb, as well as Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena, also secured their Olympic nominations. Despite some setbacks for other American pairs, the athletes remain determined and focused on their preparations for the Gstaad tournament in Switzerland. This event serves as the final opportunity to fine-tune their skills before the highly anticipated Olympic Games. For beach volleyball enthusiasts, the action is heating up as the teams gear up for the ultimate sporting event.
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