Beijing, China, August 13, 2008 - Cristine “Saka” Santanna and Andrezza “Rtvelo” Martins of Georgia rallied from a first set setback and saved a match point in the second set to defeat Alexandra Shiryaeva and Natalya Uryadova of Russia 10-21, 22-20 and 15-12 at Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground here Wednesday.
Competing for a berth in the 16-team elimination bracket with the loser being eliminated from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to place 19th in the competition, the Russians dominated the first set of the Pool C match. In the second set, Shiryaeva and Uryadova had a match point at 20-19, but Saka and Rtvelo scored the final three points to force a third and deciding set.
In the third set, Georgia broke from a 5-5 tie to take control of the match at 10-7. Shiryaeva and Uryadova cut the deficit to 12-11 as the Brazilian-born pair Saka and Rtvelo finished the set by scoring three of the next four points.
It was the first meeting between the two teams as both pairs were competing in their first-ever Olympic Games. Here are comments from the players.
Cristine “Saka” Santanna, Georgia
On hugging the Russian players after the match: "I wanted to show that the Olympics are above politics and I wanted to display a sign of peace."
On how the Georgians respond to the Russians' comments on their Brazilian heritage: "We had never played them before. They are a good team, it was a good match. We fought the hardest. I respect them as players."
On the importance of the match: "It was a very important match, because we needed to win to stay in the competition. We did our job today. It was good."
Andrezza “Rtvelo” Martins, Georgia
On winning the second set 22-20 to take the match to a deciding third set: "We were losing 19-20 and won a very important rally. This was the turning point of the match, and I told Cristine 'the victory is ours.'"
On reaching the Round of 16: "I'm very happy we were given the opportunity by Georgia to compete here. It's a tough competition and we've made it. I'm very happy to have made it."
Alexandra Shiryaeva, Russia
On the result: "I am pretty disappointed with the result. We lost three games but we showed a good game in all three. We were close three times, but to be close doesn't mean a result. I am disappointed because we lost. It was our last chance."
On the match: "This is the first time for our country to have a team in the Beach Volleyball. We played well, but not well enough. It was close but we were not good enough to win."
Natalya Uryadova of Russia
On the result: "Today's competition was outstanding. Our opposition performed quite well. We regret the result, we were not lucky today."
On how she feels on being knocked out of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: "This is our first Olympics so I'm obviously feeling very disappointed now. We've got FIVB and European tour events coming up now, so we will concentrate on those." | |
