Swedish Beach Volleyball Duo Shines in Gstaad Despite Final Loss
Gstaad, Switzerland – In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Swedish beach volleyball talents Jacob Hölting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson made a lasting impression at the prestigious tournament in Gstaad. Despite their ultimate loss to experienced Qatari pair Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, the 20- and 19-year-old Swedes showcased their potential and marked their arrival on the world stage.
The Qatari duo, who boasted a bronze medal from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and a fourth-place finish in Paris, proved too strong in the end, winning the match 21-19, 22-20. Despite saving five match balls in the second set, Andersson and Nilsson couldn’t quite seal the win.
“It’s tough, you’re extremely disappointed now,” Elmer Andersson admitted to SVT. “But the tournament in Gstaad has become our international breakthrough. We’re doing a really good tournament otherwise. In a few days, you’ll probably be proud.”
The Swedish pair’s impressive run in Gstaad was highlighted by their four challenger-level titles on the world tour. Reaching the quarterfinals in the elite 16 competition marked a significant milestone for the duo, who are already European champions in the U22 category.
With Olympic gold medalists David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig not participating in the tournament due to an abdominal muscle issue, Andersson and Nilsson have seized the opportunity to establish themselves as a top-level pair. They are now poised to take on the world, with the European Championship in Düsseldorf and the World Championship in Adelaide on the horizon
Loading ...
