Kerri Walsh and Nicole Branagh storm into finals of Dubai tourney
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)