RI spikers write history in the sand

RI spikers write history in the sand

ATLANTA BEACH, Georgia (DPA): Indonesian pair Etta and Timy wrote beach volleyball history on Tuesday, taking part in the very first match of the sport's first Olympic outing - and they won, though losing a later encounter with Brazil's world top duo.

The popular sport's first match at the Atlanta Beach site saw them defeat Canada's Broen Ouellette and Margo Malowney 15-10, with Etta making history in fine style with an ace, and going on to serve for four straight points.

The Indonesian couple continued strongly, building up a 10-4 lead behind the jump-serving Etta before the Canadians rallied back to 10-9.

Timy, at 19 youngest player in the competition, served for two more immediate points, then after the Canadians pulled back to 12-10, a kill by Etta regained serve, which she held out to the end.

However, in their second match of the day the Indonesians, seeded 17th in the 18-team field, were out of their class against Brazil's Sandra Pires and Jackie Silva, losing 15-2.

The Brazilians already had 14 points on the board before Etta made a pair of kills for their only two points, although the underdogs delayed defeat by forcing five match point tries.

"It really wasn't a big problem for us to play the best team in the world, because we know we're so far over our heads," Etta said later. "We only started playing beach volleyball this year." Etta and Timy stay in contention, facing Mexico on Tuesday.

Indonesia's men's team of Nur Mufid and Markoji went down 15-7 in their opener against Spain, knocking them back to the elimination round yesterday against a side being decided later.

The 24th-seeded pair held the Spaniards to 4-4 before Sixto Jiminez had three digs on consecutive plays for a 7-4 lead which he and partner Javier Bosma worked up to 9-4 before the Indonesians scored again.

Nur Mufid's kill, a Markoji ace and another dig and kill by Nur Mufid brought the last Indonesian points, and the pair were finally overcome by Bosma's net presence and Jiminez's outstanding defense.