Ludwig/Walkenhorst reach their first World Championship final
With an impressive win against current world’s numer one, the German Olympic Champions Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst have reached their first World Championship final. The Rio 2016 gold medal winners beat Larissa/Talita (Brazil) with 21:19, 21:16.
Ludwig/Walkenhorst playing Larissa/Talita in the World Championship semifinals
Having struggled this season with injuries, this is an amazing comeback for the Germans only one year after they beat the Brazilians in the Rio semifinals. While Laura Ludwig had been playing strongly throughout the whole tournament, it was Kira Walkenhorst who found again her former strength in this important match. Several impressive blocks by Walkenhorst in the first set put the German team on the right track to the gold medal match. The second set looked somewhat like a home run with Laura Ludwig returning some first balls directly to baffle the Brazilians that didn’t manage to find their game. “Larissa and Talita are having a strong season, they have already won tournaments and now we’ve proved we can win against them”, said Ludwig.
Kira Walkenhorst blocking
Ludwig/Walkenhorst have been enjoying a strong support by the Austrian audience throughout the tournament. Not accounting for Austria’s number one men’s team Doppler/Horst, the two Germans are probably the most popular team in the World Championship. They will for sure be looking forward to the same support level when facing Fendrick/Ross (USA) in the final today.