The Swatch Beach Pro Gstaad attracted 25,000 visitors and the world champions Duda/Ana Patricia from Brazil grabbed the victory. In the men's singles, Chile's Marco and Esteban Grimalt triumphed and were supported by the crowd as they reached the final Gstaad.

World champions also triumph in Gstaad

Newly formed Eduarda “Duda” Santos Lisboa and Ana Patricia fought their way to victory. Together they became world champions in Rome in June. In Gstaad, they retook the lead, although challenged by fellow countrymen Carol Solberg and Bárbara Seixas.

After winning a set each, a third was brilliantly played with three aces in a row. With heavy pressure applied by both teams, Duda/Ana Patricia ended up celebrating their victory.

Australians in third place
Supported by a loudly cheering crowd, the bronze match was just as intense. The Australians Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar got off to a good start. They won first set but, Latvians Tina Graudina and Anastasija Kravcenoka, put up a fight and won the second set, forcing the Aussies to a third. Ranked 4th last year, the ladies from Latvia were determined to make it to the podium, Clancy/Solar was too strong, and the set ended clearly in their favour. A historic success, as it was 20 years ago since the last Australian team stood on the podium in Gstaad.

A different men's podium this year
After reigning world champions and crowd favourites, Anders Mol and Christian Sørum withdrew from the Gstaad tournament for health reasons before the final rounds, the field was open. It was an epic match when the teams from the Czech Republic and Chile played in the final in Gstaad. Cousins Esteban & Marco Grimalt from Chile won for the first time in tournament history. Both teams played top-class beach volleyball in front of a full house, and dynamic and exciting rallies thrilled the crowds. The cousins from Chile won in two straight sets. Although the Czech team fought back, continuously strong serving and attack balls ensured the Chileans a two-set victory. “Gstaad is simply the most beautiful tournament in the world, there is no better atmosphere anywhere,” said Marco Grimalt.

The bronze match was filled with drama. The crowd was cheering for both teams: Bruno Schmidt/Saymon from Brazil and Varenhorst/van de Velde from the Netherlands. A controversial refereeing that culminated in a penalty, sent the Brazilian team and the audience into turmoil. But the high energy on the stand kept the players going and rewarded the audience with an action packed 3-set match won by Varenhorst/van de Velde.

BASED ON AVS/JENNY STERCHI