Strong comeback for Czech power duo Perusic/Schweiner in Paris

Last weekend the Beach Pro Tour took a stop in Paris, just ten months before the Olympic games are set to take place in the city of lights. From September 27 to October 1, the Roland Garros Stadium welcomed top beach stars from all over the world.

Comeback for Perusic/Schweiner

Proving their prowess in the French capital, the Czech duo Perusic/Schweiner dominated the men’s competition. Due to an injury, Perusic had to sit out the EuroBeachVolley back in August, where Schweiner partnered with Trousil, ranking ninth after a match against champions Åhman/Hellvig. Both Perusic and Schweiner sat out two of the previous stops of the Beach Pro Tour in Montreal and Gstaad, then made it to 9th place in Hamburg, but were back in full swing in Paris. After an exciting three-set match they were able to defeat German duo Ehlers/Wickler.

The bronze medal went to Dutch duo Brouwer/Meeuwsen, who climbed the podium again after having won the silver medal in Paris last year. In no easy match either, the 2016 Bronze-Olympians won against Austrian beach stars Hörl/Horst in another three-set match. Despite their defeat, the Austrians are motivated to keep going as they hope to qualify for next year’s Olympic games; fourth place at an elite tournament is the best Austrian result in the Olympic qualification so far and will bring Hörl/Horst further.

"Even though it is bitter right now, the 4th place is a huge success. We beat some absolute top teams and played sensational beach volleyball from Wednesday to today. Paris2024 is actually one step closer again!" - Julian Hörl

Ana Patricia and Duda stay on top

Securing the gold medal in the women's competition were none other than the reigning world champions, Ana Patricia and Duda, who currently hold the top spot in the world rankings. In an exhilarating three-set final, the Brazilian duo triumphed over the world's third-ranked pair, Nuss/Kloth, marking their second consecutive victory following the recent event in Hamburg. Ana Patricia's outstanding performance as the top scorer of the match, amassing an impressive 29 points, added to their remarkable win.

Bronze went to Dutch beach stars Stam/Schoon, who climbed the podium once again after claiming gold in Paris last year. In two sets, they won against the Italian beach stars Gottardi/Menegatti. With 20 points, Katja Stam was the best scorer of this match.

All four of Paris' top duos - both men's and women's - will also prove themselves in just a few days at the World Championships in Mexico, where the European continent will be represented by 20 men's and 17 women's duos, all vying for the title.