Twists and turns a plenty in the opening pool play matches

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Wang/Yue of China celebrate their win over Elize Maia/Duda. Photocredit: Sebastian Marko.

We’re halfway through the women’s pool play on day two of the Poreč Major and the fans who have flocked to the courts across this beautiful part of Croatia have been treated to some unforgettable beach volleyball.

Of the 16 matches that have been played out on a glorious sunny day, six have been settled by a third and deciding set. We wanted drama and the girls are giving it to us!

Two of these six tiebreakers in particular have seen some surprise results. Bawden/Clancy, who won bronze at the Poreč Major last year, were on the receiving end of a shock 2-1 defeat to Greek outsiders Arvaniti/Karagkouni on Court 5. The Aussies obliterated their opponents 21-9 in the first set but the Europeans stormed back to win the last two sets to put one foot in the knockout phase.

On Court 2 there was a Swiss derby as Heidrich/Zumkehr faced countrywomen Betschart/Hüberli. A tight first set went the way of the younger challengers, Betschart/Hüberli, but after Olympic hopes Heidrich/Zumkehr levelled the score in the second set there only looked like one winner. However, the underdogs, ranked 25th seeds in the competition, triumphed in the decider 15-13.

Elsewhere it was business as usual for Ludwig/Walkenhorst, who are chasing a second successive Swatch Major Series title, as they made light work of Croatia’s Jurja/Becic – winning 2-0 in just 26 minutes.

Brazilians Larissa/Talita had just one minute more on court as they dispatched Croatia’s Radanovic/Fabris on Court 6 in just 27 minutes. The World Champions stormed to the first set 21-11 but it was closer in the second as the home side took 17 points off their illustrious opponents which will give them plenty of confidence in their remaining two pool matches.

Each team has another match to play today and we’ll round-up the best of the action later this evening. In the meantime, you can watch every dig, dive, serve and spike on our live stream! Enjoy!