Nanjing, China, July 15, 2018 – Russia’s Denis Shekunov/Dmitrii Veretiuk progressed all the way from the qualification round to claim the title in the FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championship at the Tangshan International Beach Sports Park on Sunday.
Shekunov/Veretiuk outplayed Germany’s Lukas Pfretzschner/Filip John 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) in the men’s final to claim a victory which also earns Russia a place at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina in October.
The Russians led at the start of the set, but John unleashed some strong hits that got the German side back into the game. A series of deadlocks and lead changes ensued with the Russians gaining favour with an exciting finish at 21-19.
The Russians benefitted from Veretiuk’s power game in the second set, but John’s offence kept the Germans within striking distance. Both sides played excellent defence that extended the rallies, until Russia gained an edge to reach 20-18. The Germans bungled their reception, giving Veretiuk an opportunity to retaliate with a strong spike to seal the Russians’ gold medal victory 21-18.
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FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships
Earier, Russia’s Alexey Gusev/Pavel Shustrov claimed the bronze medal with their victory over Argentina’s Mauro Zelayeta/Bautista Amieva 2-0 (21-18, 21-16).
Gusev/Shustrov kept a strong pace throughout the match, preventing any significant run from their opponents. They started with a 5-2 lead in the first set before Zelayeta/Amieva managed a small comeback, but the European side eventually neutralised their rivals down the final stretch to win with a three-point cushion 21-18.
The Russians had another strong start in the second set, which they maintained from start to finish to secure the bronze medal victory 21-16.