Baden, Austria. Twins Nadine and Teresa Strauss and the experienced Clemens Doppler/Alexander Horst claimed on Sunday the Austrian Beach Volleyball championship title at the very same venue that last week had hosted the FIVB World 1-Star event in Baden.
After edging Alexander Huber/Christoph Dressler in the semis, Doppler and Horst played another three sets in the grand finale against the surprise package of the tournament, Tobias Winter and Julian Hörl, who had previously beaten reigning champions Robin Seidl and Philipp Waller in the other semi-final.
“There are so many youngsters coming up and it is always difficult to play against them. If we do not perform at our very best, we just cannot win,” Doppler commented. “This was the most beautiful national championship in my career and I wish to thank the organisers for such a great atmosphere. It is unbelievable what Vision05 has been able to deliver this season. It was a great tournament. Thank you!”
“I am extremely happy, especially because not so much has worked in the best way for us this year,” partner Horst added. “It is getting harder and harder to win, but today we did it.”
After taking World Tour gold last Sunday, Seidl/Waller had to be content with bronze this time around.
The Strauss twins claimed the women’s title as they beat Julia Radl/Anja Dörfler in another closely contested final. Interim partners Dorina Klinger and Lena Plesiutschnig completed the podium.
“We did not get off to a good start but we stayed in the game with our fighting spirit. We are happy with our performance,” an elated Teresa Strauss commented. “We often need some time to find our way into the game,” added twin sister Nadine. “We have always had this goal in mind, to win the national championship. We can be proud of our performance.”
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Photo Credit: Florian Schrötter
Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
ÖVV – Volleyball Austria
FIVB – Volleyball World
