Australia and Canada dominate beach volleyball debut at Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games beach volleyball competition at Gold Coast proved to be a tough battle between host Australia and Canada. Finals in both men’s and women’s competitions turned out to be a showdown between Aussies and Canadians.
In the women’s competition, the crowds at Coolangatta Beach saw a close match between FIVB world ranking leaders Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes (Canada) and the newly formed host country’s team Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho-Solar. In contrast to previous rounds, this match was one at highest international level with the Canadians succeeding 21:19 and 22:20. Although no third set was played, the match lasted for 45 minutes. Humana-Paredes:
“We wanted this so badly. This is our first gold medal. This is what we’ve been waiting for so long. Beach Volleyball needs to grow into a world phenomenon. The people have just showed how amazing it can be.”
Earlier in the day, the home crowds were pleased to see their team beat the Canadians in the men’s competition. McHugh/Schumann claimed a victory in three sets over Pedlow/Schachter after overcoming a 9-12 deficit in the tie-break. In a fierce one-hour match, the Aussies won 21:19, 18:21 and 18:16 and became the first Commonwealth Games beach volleyball champions in history. Schumann was delighted:
“To win a gold medal is absolutely unbelievable. The Canadians are a top 10 side and they are incredible.”
