Press release
Candelas Bibiana and Mayra Garcia first to win at Horse Guard’s Parade
Candelas Bibiana (right) and Mayra Garcia opened the Visa FIVB Beach volley International with a close-fought win over Liliane Maestrini and Angela Vieira
London, Great Britain, August 9, 2011 – Mexico’s Candelas Bibiana and Mayra Garcia made history at Horse Guard’s Parade by becoming the first ever team to win a match at the central London venue.
The pair defeated Brazilian duo Liliane Maestrini and Angela Vieira in a thrilling 21-19, 26-28, 16-14 win that gave spectators a taste of what’s to come at the VISA FIVB Beach Volleyball International, and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“We knew that Brazil is always a tough team (to play), they have very good teams who play at a very good level,” Candelas said. “We really wanted to win that match and we had to start aggressively.
“We had to fight for every point and both teams did that. We had match points twice in the second set and I think that is why we started the third set slowly when we tried to find our rhythm.”
The Mexicans had to hold their nerve after dropping match points in the second set, but fought back to ensure that the beach volleyball venue was opened in spectacular style.
It was a new venue for both teams, with a 1,500 capacity, though for London 2012 the venue will grow 10-fold to hold 15,000 spectators.
“I think it is a very original and symbolic site for us and that gives us an extra feeling to be here, (especially as) the people have been cheering for both teams,” Candelas said.
“On the FIVB World Tour we have had to get used to playing in different weather and we are used to adapting to every type of condition.”
Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International Match Schedule
London, Great Britain | August 9-14
Olympic Test Event: Women
Exclusive interviews on FIVB Youtube Video Channel
The win sets up Candelas and Garcia to progress from Pool F. Next they play China’s Changning Zhang and Jingjing Ding, before completing their pool matches against Brittany Hochevar and Lisa Rutledge of the United States.
“I think that everybody here has come to do their best and we are the same,” Candelas said. “We just want to think about our side of the court and not too much about the others, trying to get things right and try to enjoy the game.”
The Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International features 12 matches per day on centre court with the pool play action continuing until Thursday before the Round of 16 on Friday before the quarterfinals on Saturday and semifinals and finals on Sunday.
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