After an exciting week on the FIVB World Tour in the United States, teams are now gearing up for the final two tournaments in Russia and Germany as they strive to secure a spot in the Olympics. In this article, we will recap the recent achievements of the teams and discuss their chances of qualifying for the Olympics.
Ross/Walsh Jennings and Dalhausser/Lucena Shine in Cincinnati
During the FIVB Cincinnati Open, presented by AVP, April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings stood out, earning their third gold medal of the Olympic qualifying season. Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena also had a successful tournament, adding a ninth medal to their collection with a bronze finish.
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Strong Representation by the USA
The USA was well-represented in Cincinnati, with seven men’s and women’s teams in the main draw. As the elimination rounds commenced, six teams in each gender advanced. April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings secured 500 points with their gold medal, Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat added points with a respectable fifth-place finish, and Jennifer Kessy and Emily Day narrowly missed improving their points, finishing 17th.
Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena now have 11 events under their belt, needing just one more to meet the minimum requirement of 12 events. Each finish thus far has resulted in a straight point gain for them, setting them apart from other teams that have met the minimum events needed. Their bronze medal in Cincinnati gave them a 400-point boost. Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson, as well as John Hyden and Tri Bourne, also secured a 60-point increase with their fifth-place finishes.
Shifting Rankings
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The provisional Olympic rankings, as of May 23, 2016, reveal some significant changes. Dalhausser and Lucena climb to the fourth spot among the overall team rankings, accumulating 5,480 points. They surpass the previous American men’s point leaders, Gibb and Patterson, who now sit at seventh place with 5,240 points.
In the women’s rankings, Ross and Walsh Jennings secure the fourth position with 5,790 points, while Fendrick and Sweat hold the 14th spot with 4,470 points. Hyden and Bourne, with 4,790 points, and Kessy and Day, with 3,980 points, aim to break into the top two USA spots in the remaining two weeks. The final two events before the June 13 closing will offer Grand Slam points – 800 points for the winning team, 720 for second place, and 640 for third.
Two Tournaments Left for Olympic Qualification
Only two events remain before the provisional Olympic rankings close on June 13. Teams will participate in the Moscow and Hamburg tournaments to earn crucial grand slam points.
While Ross/Walsh Jennings and Gibb/Patterson have already met the minimum requirements to secure a quota spot for the U.S., these final two tournaments present an opportunity for them to improve their rankings and potentially earn better seeding in the Olympic pool play. Dalhausser and Lucena, who have 11 events under their belt, are the only team among the top three USA pairs in both genders yet to meet the minimum 12-event requirement.
FIVB World Tour Returns to the USA
After the Olympics in August, the FIVB World Tour will return to the United States with the Long Beach Grand Slam (World Series of Beach Volleyball) starting on August 23. This highly anticipated event is expected to feature all four American Olympic teams, along with a large contingent from other countries.
FAQs
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Q: How many events do teams need to participate in to meet the minimum requirements for Olympic qualification?
- A: Teams must participate in a minimum of 12 events to meet the requirements for Olympic qualification.
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Q: What are the benefits of improving rankings in the final two tournaments?
- A: Improving rankings in the final two tournaments can potentially lead to better seeding in the Olympic pool play.
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Q: When will the provisional Olympic rankings close?
- A: The provisional Olympic rankings will close on June 13.
Conclusion
The FIVB World Tour has showcased some incredible performances as teams make their final push for Olympic qualification. With the Moscow and Hamburg tournaments on the horizon, we can expect intense competition and impressive displays of skill. Stay tuned to see which teams will secure their spot in the Olympics and represent the USA on the world stage.
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