Cherif Younousse and Seifeddine Elmajid mustered 27 points together and steered hosts Qatar into the men’s 4×4 beach volleyball semi-finals with a facile 21-13, 21-18 victory against Chile at the ANOC World Beach Games on Monday.
Younousse knows well his role in the team after his FIVB Beach World Tour partner Ahmed Tijan sustained a leg injury which has forced him to watch the entire event from the bench. So he not only has to spearhead the attack, he has to inspire his teammates to work in unison.
Till now, Younousse has been quite successful in achieving this and his 15 points, including 12 from attack, underlines his class and utility. The first set was quite easy and even in the second, Qatar had built a commanding 10-5 lead. But later there was a time when Chile clawed back their way into the match and reduced the gap. At this stage, Elmajid, who contributed 12 points, came up with his innovative play and helped the hosts maintain the lead.
At 17-15, Younousse picked two points in a row to take Qatar 19-15 clear. Elmajid followed it up with a clever drop to get the match point on the board (20-16). Chile saved two points. Elmajid however sealed the victory with a deep smash.
Younousse said after the match: “We’re very pleased to be in the semi-finals of the World Beach Games. Since the format is new to us and we did not have enough time, there have been some mistakes. We’ve been trying to reduce them and will continue to do so.
“Tijan’s absence has been a big blow for us, but he is with us to provide his moral support from the bench. All the players are trying to do their best and we’re proud to be one step away from reaching the final,” added Younousse.
Ziad Benlouaer said, “We’re gelling well as a team in this format. We cleared the prelims and managed to enter the knockout stage. We had a good match against Chile and cleared one hurdle. The strong way we’re playing, anything is possible. We’re trying to relax and enjoy the matches one by one.”
Poland proved too strong for Germany, winning by 21-11, 21-9 in the second quarter-final. Soon the USA joined them with a 21-14, 21-13 victory over Mozambique. Australia are facing Indonesia in the last quarter-final of the night.
Brazil, US storm
into last four
Favourites Brazil and the USA cantered into the semi-finals of the women’s beach volleyball, while remaining two spots were grabbed by Canada and Australia, both needing some efforts to get the better of their rivals.
Brazil crushed Gambia 21-6, 21-9, the same scoreline was produced by the USA when they knocked out Vanuatu. Canada faced some spirited resistance from Nigeria in the second set before pulling off a 21-11, 22-20 victory and Australia defeated Czech Republic 21-14, 21-14.
In the semi-finals, Brazil, for whom 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist Juliana da Silva had six points and 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist Barbara de Freitas got five, will take on Australia, while the other semi-final pits the USA against Canada.
Australian Brittany Kendall had the most points in the quarter-finals – 13, including two from blocks.