Strong Swiss teams in Baden – Seidl/Waller claim gold
It was only a 1-star event but the entry list of the FIVB Baden Open read like the one of a 4-star. The event was dominated by teams from Switzerland who claimed four spots in the semifinals and one gold, two silver and a bronze medal.
On the women’s side, Hamburg world championships semifinalists Betschart/Hüberli claimed gold against compatriots Joana Heidrich/Anouk Vergé-Dépré. Joana Heidrich had to give up in the second set due to a finger injury. In the semifinals the Swiss had eliminated German teams Sude/Borger and Bieneck/Schneider who claimed bronze.
On the men’s side, local heroes Robin Seidl and Philipp Waller defeated top-ranked Swiss Adrian Heidrich and Mirco Gerson. In an intense three-set final, the Austrians put a lot of pressure on Swiss giant Adrian Heidrich who was struggling with receiving Austrian serves throughout the match. Philipp Waller after the final:
“The audience helped us to push through. Robin’s initial blocks were so important. It’s great to win here in Baden. You never know how things progress in these Corona times but we are highly motivated for the next events.”
The bronze medal was claimed by Swiss team Metral/Haussener. Defending champions Clemens Doppler and Alexander Horst had to withdraw in the first knockout-round due to Doppler suffering from an illness.
