Pļaviņš and Fokerots break Brazilian resistance in the decider, win Gstaad group
Latvian beach volleyball duo Mārtiņš Pļaviņš and Kristians Fokerots defeated Brazil's André/Renatu in three sets, securing their third group win and a spot in the knockout stage.
Dominant group stage
European champions Mārtiņš Pļaviņš and Kristians Fokerots (2024) continued their strong performance in Gstaad by beating the Brazilian pair André/Renatu 21:18, 15:21, 15:11. This victory gave them a clean sweep in Group B (3-0) and a place in the round of 16.
Match details
The first set saw the Latvians take an early lead thanks to two Brazilian errors, making it 14:13 and 16:14. Pļaviņš then served an ace (20:17) and they closed the set 21:18.
In the second set, the Brazilians turned the tables, going up 5-0 with two serve winners from Renatu. Pļaviņš and Fokerots fought back to 9:12, but André/Renatu extended their lead and won 21:15.
The third set was a thriller. Fokerots blocked twice for a 5:4 and 9:7 lead, but the Brazilians leveled at 10:10. Pļaviņš made a defensive save and smashed the ball into the sand, then Fokerots served an ace off the net to make it 14:11. Pļaviņš saved another attack and Fokerots finished the match at 15:11.
Group standings
Latvians top the group with three wins, ahead of Italy's Cottafava/Dal Corso (2-1), Brazil (1-2), and Belgium (0-3). The next match for Pļaviņš/Fokerots will be in the round of 16 on July 3.
