SONGKHLA, THAILAND — Champions were crowned in thrilling fashion as the AVC Beach Tour 25th Samila Open concluded on April 15, with Qatar and New Zealand emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s competitions, respectively.
Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament, culminating in a hard-fought victory over Australia’s Hood/Hodges in the final to secure the gold medal. The Australian pair settled for silver, while compatriots Potts/Pearse completed an all-Australian podium presence by claiming bronze after edging Thailand’s K. Dunwinit/N. Banlue.
In the women’s division, New Zealand’s Polley/MacDonald showcased exceptional form to capture the title, overcoming Japan’s Shiba/Reika in a tightly contested final. Australia’s Rayner/Fejes secured bronze after defeating Thailand’s S. Patcharaporn/M. Salinda in the third-place match.
The four-day tournament, held from April 12 to 15, featured top beach volleyball teams from across Asia and Oceania, delivering high-level competition and intense matchups from the qualification rounds through to the finals. Fans were treated to a series of exciting encounters, highlighted by dramatic three-set battles in both semifinals and medal matches.
The AVC Beach Tour 25th Samila Open once again demonstrated the growing strength and depth of beach volleyball in the region, providing a platform for both established teams and rising talents to compete at the highest level.
With another successful leg completed, attention now turns to the upcoming stops on the AVC Beach Tour, as teams continue their pursuit of ranking points, podium finishes, and continental glory.
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