Rio Olympics: Spain upset by Qatar in beach volleyball

Spanish Olympic beach volleyball duo Pablo Herrera and Adrian Gavira were surprised by Qatar's Jefferson and Cherif, who battled back from an early deficit to win the Pool F match on Copacabana beach by two sets to one.

The Spaniards dominated in the early going on Monday, winning the first set 21-13 as the Qataris were unable to break their opponents' serve, reports EFE.

But Jefferson and Cherif showed greater spirit and initiative in the second set and ultimately prevailed 21-18 to force a tie-breaker.

Qatar, with the small yet enthusiastic crowd behind them, won the sudden-death third set 15-12 against Herrera and Gavira, who seemed to be suffering from a case of nerves.

 

--IANS

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