Rio Olympics: Spain upset by Qatar in beach volleyball

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 9 (IANS) Spanish Olympic beach volleyball duo Pablo Herrera and Adrian Gavira were surprised by Qatar's Jefferson and Cherif, who battled back from an early deficit to win the Pool F match on Copacabana beach by two sets to one.

The Spaniards dominated in the early going on Monday, winning the first set 21-13 as the Qataris were unable to break their opponents' serve, reports EFE.

But Jefferson and Cherif showed greater spirit and initiative in the second set and ultimately prevailed 21-18 to force a tie-breaker.

Qatar, with the small yet enthusiastic crowd behind them, won the sudden-death third set 15-12 against Herrera and Gavira, who seemed to be suffering from a case of nerves.

--IANS

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