Brazilian Beach Volleyball Duo Join Top 8

Talita Antunes and Renata Ribeiro of Brazil earned a berth in top eight of beach volleyball tournament at the Beijing Olympics on Friday.

They came from behind to beat Susanne Glesnes/Kathrine Maaseide of Norway in three sets (12-21, 21-19,15-13).

"I'm not so satisfied with my performance in the match. It's a so important match but we're a little tired," commented Ribeiro on their early setback.

The Brazilian duo, placing sixth on the Olympic qualification standings and winners of five FIVB World Tour gold medals, are competing in their first Olympics.

Antunes won the 2008 "Queen of the Beach" title in Brazil and was named the FIVB World Tour top rookie in 2005.

In other two round of 16 matches held earlier in the evening, Austrian pair Doris Schwaiger and Stephanie Schwaiger edged out Sara Goller/Laura Ludwig of Germany in three sets (23-21, 11-21,18-16), and China's Zhang Xi and Xue Chen also made their way to top eight, beating a Cuban duo in straight sets.

(Xinhua news Agency August 15, 2008)

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