Bali, Indonesia, August 24, 2003 û Tian Jia and Wang Fei wrote their names
into the Beach Volleyball history books on Sunday when they became the first
Chinese team to win a gold medal on the SWATCH-FIVB World Tour after
defeating CubaÆs Tamara Larrea Peraza and Dalixia Fernandez Grasset in the
final of the $150,000 Bali Open.
The Chinese produced a near flawless display to down their Cuban opponents
21-17, 21-19, mixing a powerful service game with strong defence and some
subtle touches at the net to secure the $22,000 winnersÆ cheque. Top seeds Eva Celbova and Sona Novakova of the Czech Republic finished third
after defeating You Wenhui and Wang Lu of China 21-15, 21-10 in the bronze
medal playoff.
A packed center court on BaliÆs Petitenget Beach was treated to a thrilling
and close-fought final, with both teams showing superb technique in the
energy-sapping tropical conditions.
ôI thought we both served very well today and did not make many mistakes,ö
said 22-year-old Wang Fei, whose best placing on the World Tour before this
week was fifth.
ôThe Cubans served mostly to me because I am less experienced than my
partner, but she managed to adjust so well that it took a lot of pressure
off me. We both served powerfully and perhaps this was the difference
between the two sides.ö
TianÆs outstanding defence and strong service game deservedly earned her the
Speedo Most Valuable Player Award, while her partner received the SWATCH
Fastest Service Award after being timed at 77.5 km/h.
Beach volleyball is a relatively young sport in China and Tian and WangÆs
success, along with that of their fourth-placed their compatriots, will go
a long way to boosting the game in a country bursting with potential. The immediate impact of their victory was also clear for all to see as they
collapsed to the sand in an emotional embrace after securing the winning
point.
ôWeÆre so proud to be the first Chinese team to win a gold medal in Beach
and would like to thank our federation for all their support,ö said Tian.
ôHopefully this will help the game to grow in China.ö
Despite their loss, the Cubans can also look back upon a successful week in
which they improved on their previous career-best - fourth in the
season-opening Rhodes Open - as they stepped on to the podium for the first
time.
ôThe Chinese had great defense and a powerful service game,ö said a gracious
Peraza. ôThey showed great determination and were prepared to chase every
ball.ö
Celbova and Novakova, who were beaten in straight sets by the Cubans in the
semifinal, can also take consolation from posting their first podium finish
on the World Tour, while their Chinese opponents also set a career-best.
After a one-week break, the womenÆs SWATCH-FIVB World Tour returns to Europe
for the Milan Open in Italy. |
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