Press release
Chen Xue and Zhang Xi building momentum at London 2012 test event
Chen Xue (right) and Zhang Xi have continued their good form by winning two pool matches from two at the London 2012 test event
London, Great Britain, August 10, 2011 – Chen Xue and Zhang Xi are the most successful of all the teams competing at the Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International, but the Chinese duo know that success in 2011 does not necessarily mean further glory at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“It is very important (to be here) as it means you get used to the venue and allows us to do some specific training,” Zhang said, “but if we win it won’t count as it is a different tournament next year. It is the Olympics and there will be more players.”
Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International Match Schedule
London, Great Britain | August 9-14
Olympic Test Event: Women
Even so the pair considers the test event an important step in building on the success they have enjoyed in 2011.
This year Xue and Zhang Xi added World Championship bronzes to those they won at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. At Horse Guard’s Parade they started with wins over Dutch pair Jolien Sinnema and Margo Wiltens and then Greece’s Christina Roubanis and Joanna Papageorgiou.
“We have to get to the sand, whether it is hard or soft,” Xue said. “Yesterday the sand felt a bit loose, but now we’ve got used to it we can control our jumping better.
“Now we are used to it we can start to play with confidence. We are getting better and better and today was better than yesterday.”
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