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Sibling success
Two-time Olympic and three-time world champion Kerri Walsh along new partner Nicole Branagh stormed into the finals of the $350,000 Dubai Open beach volleyball tournament at the Jumeirah Beach Park Friday.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:53 October 10, 2008
- The women's semifinal at the Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour in Dubai. Kerri Walsh and Nicole Branagh of the US (blue top) take on Maria Salgado and Carolina Salgado of Brazil.
- Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News
Dubai: Two-time Olympic and three-time world champion Kerri Walsh along new partner Nicole Branagh stormed into the finals of the $350,000 Dubai Open beach volleyball tournament at the Jumeirah Beach Park Friday.
The crack American pairing, who are top seeded in this SWATCH FIVB World Tour event, overcame the second-seeded Salgados sisters from Brazil, Carolina and Maria Clara 21-15, 23-21.
In today's final they will meet fellow Americans Jennifer Boss and April Ross, the third seeds, who beat Austria's 'sister act' Doris and Stefanie Schwaiger 21-9, 21-16.
Men's competition
The French Ces brothers upset Brazilian champions Harley Marques and Pedro Salgado in the semis.
Seeded fifth in the 32-team $350,000 Dubai Open main draw, Andy and Kevin Ces scored a 21-18 and 21-18 victory in 51 minutes over the top-seeded Harley and Salgado, who clinched the SWATCH FIVB World Tour championship two weeks ago in Brazil after winning their sixth gold medal in 2008 at Guarujà .
"Andy is the most improved player on this tour," said the 28-year-old Kevin about his 26-year old brother.
"His blocking and my defense were the difference tonight against Harley and Pedro. This is a great win for us and even better for the Beach Volleyball in France.
"Anytime you defeat a team from Brazil, you are accomplishing a lot."
Results
Women's Semifinals:
(Preface number denotes seeding)
1-Nicole Branagh / Kerri Walsh (United States) beat 2- Carolina Salgado / Maria Clara Salgado (Brazil) 21-15, 23-21.
3- Jennifer Boss / April Ross (United States) beat 10-Doris Schwaiger / Stefanie Schwaiger (Austria) 21-9, 21-16
Today's schedule:
4pm: Women's final, followed by the men's final (Jumeirah Beach Park)
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