Evandro and Arthur (Photo: Beach Volleyball Pro Tour)
Evandro Gonçalves and Arthur Lanci are very close to securing the last Olympic spot in Brazilian beach volleyball. This Saturday (4), the second best pair in the country in the world rankings qualified for the semifinals of the Elite 16 in Brasília. The passport for Paris-2024 can be stamped in case of victory against compatriots André and George, who are already qualified for the Olympics.
+ FOLLOW OTD ON YOUTUBE, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, TIK TOK AND FACEBOOK
In case of victory in the semi-final, Evandro and Arthur would add enough points in the ranking so that Pedro Solberg and Guto do not surpass them on the list. The duo competing for the spot experienced physical problems this week and had to withdraw from the Elite 16 in Brasília.
To guarantee a place in the semifinals, Evandro and Arthur defeated the North Americans Partain and Banesh. The hard-fought victory came after three sets, with partials of 21/15, 18/21 and 15/9. Previously, in the group stage, they won both games and advanced straight to the quarter-finals undefeated.
Already qualified for the Paris Olympic Games, André and George secured a place in the semifinals of the Elite 16 in Brasilia. In the quarterfinals, they faced Cherif and Ahmed, a pair from Qatar who won bronze medals in Tokyo. The match lasted just over one set. After opening 1-0 with 22/20, the Brazilians counted on physical problems from their rivals at the beginning of the second half to advance.
Duda and Ana Patrícia in the semi-final
Qualified straight to the quarterfinals, Duda and Ana Patrícia met the Americans Hughes and Cheng, who had eliminated Tainá and Victoria in the round of 16 by 2-1 (17/21, 21/15 and 15/13). Just as happened in the duel at the Finals last year, the Brazilians got the better of the current beach volleyball world champions and advanced with 21/19 and 21/15.
Now, the leaders of the ranking will face the Dutch Stam and Schoon in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, the Dutch duo defeated Bárbara Seixas and Carol Solberg in a comeback: 2 to 1 (18/21, 21/19 and 15/13). Furthermore, Agatha and Rebecca also fell in the quarterfinals after losing to the Swiss Esmée and Zoé by 21/18 and 21/16.
Journalist from Recife graduated from Faculdade Boa Viagem, passionate about football, athletics, basketball and other sports.
