Karla Borger and Julia Sude hailed their three-set win over Americans Alix Klineman as the best performance of their short partnership as their thrilling and April Ross sealed top spot in Pool E.
The Red Bull Beach Arena were on their feet to toast the Germans’ epic 21-15, 21-23, 15-10 victory over the number five seeds from the US which ensured the pair, who only joined forces in February, were the first team from the host nation to win a pool.
“It was so amazing, and we were enjoying the atmosphere so much I decided we would play three sets,” joked a jubilant Sude afterwards. “We tried to play aggressive throughout, especially on serve but it was good teamwork on court that help us.
“Winning three games was what we wanted to achieve so we can try and get out of the pool and maybe have an easier draw. We know beach volleyball doesn’t work like that – the level is really high, so we’ll see.”
Karla, who impressed in defense throughout the victory, making a number of crucial digs, added: “It was an amazing match, lots of blocks, aces and I was digging a lot. At the end of the day it’s just a game but we played to a good level.”
With the Americans assured of second spot, it was between China and Nicaragua for third spot in Pool E and a shot at a place in the lucky loser play-off.
In the end that place went the way of Xinxin Wang and Chen Xue, who saw off Valeria Mendoza and Lolette 21-13, 21-14.
