MANILA, Philippines, May 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Beach Volleyball World Tour -- Manila Open 2018 at the Sands SM by the Bay in Metro Manila concluded on Sunday with the semi-final and finals action on centre court.
In the women's competition, Ayumi Kusano/Takemi Nishibori of Japan were crowned champions of the inaugural Manila Open 2018. Silver went to Spain's Paula Soria Gutièrrez/María Belén Carro Márquez de Acuña with Paraguayans Michelle Sharon Valiente Amarilla/Erika Sofia Mongelos Bobadilla (PAR) taking the bronze medal.
"It was a very good game for us as we had a good service game and just played our game. We are very happy with this result and to win the gold medal!" commented Kusano/Take after defeating Spain's Soria/Carro in straights sets (21-14, 21-18).
In the men's competition, Germany's Max-Jonas Karpa/Milan Sievers overturned their Langkawi disappointment to emerge victorious at the Manila Open 2018 taking the honour of being crowned the men's champion. Taking home second place with their second successive silver medal was Russia's Petr Bakhnar/Taras Myskiv ahead of Switzerland's Gabriel Kissling/Michiel Zandbergen with the bronze medal.
After an intense three-set marathon match for the gold medal, it was Germany's Karpa/Sievers that defeated Russia's Bakhnar/Myskiv en route to becoming the Manila Open 2018 men's champions, who commented, "It's unbelievable, we did not start that well as we had some problems with the 'sky balls' from the Russians. But we managed and after two sets we did not have any problems anymore. Our block defence was much better after the second set and we won! We are speechless, as we never expected that! Just awesome!"
Andrew Ching, Chief Executive Officer of E-Plus Global, promoters of the tournament commented, "A stunning day of competition and what a fitting way to close out the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour -- Manila Open 2018. All the competitors came out with a winning determination and that showed in all of the incredible and fantastic matches that were played today. Congratulations to Ayumi Kusano/Takemi Nishibori and Max-Jonas Karpa/Milan Sievers on becoming the Manila Open 2018's first women's and men's champion! Our thanks to the organisers, Beach Volleyball Republic, the partners and all the sponsors for making the inaugural Manila Open 2018 a success!"
