Latvia's Fokerots/Auziņš open U22 European Championship with victory in Madrid

Latvian beach volleyball players Kristers Fokerots and Roberts Auziņš, both 21 years old, began the U22 European Championship in Madrid on Tuesday with a straight-sets win. In their Group B match they defeated Serbia's Skuletič and Drageljevič 21:9, 21:18.

While the first set was comfortable for the Latvians, the second proved unexpectedly tight. Live CEV statistics initially showed the Serbian pair had fought back to level the set at 18:18, but Fokerots and Auziņš pulled ahead in the closing rallies to close it out. The result was later officially corrected in the Latvians' favour.

The one missing title

Over their career, Fokerots and Auziņš have already collected nearly every youth and junior title available - European U18 and U20 gold, as well as World U19 and U21 titles. The only accolade still missing is the U22 European Championship, and this tournament in Madrid is their last chance to claim it, since age limits will prevent them from competing in this category again. The Latvian pair are regarded as the main favourites, with Norway's team seen as their toughest rivals.

Women's pair also chasing a podium finish

The same tournament features Latvia's women's duo Anete Ēbere and Anastasija Konstantinova, who have already won silver twice at the U20 European Championship. Their opening opponents were Spain's Alonso and Sebaljosa. The Czech twin sisters Pavelkovas are considered the favourites in the women's draw, though the Latvian pair still have a chance to reach the podium.

On Thursday, September 11, Fokerots and Auziņš will face France's Divāls and M'Kuēla, while Ēbere and Konstantinova will play Poland's Pžibiševska and Rapčinska.