Brouwer/Meeuwsen record their first win in Hamburg

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Robert (facing camera) and Alexander have lost 10 of their 17 meetings against Herrera/Gavira

Having lost their opening match of the tournament earlier in the day, Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen were delighted to return to winning ways inside the Red Bull Beach Arena.

The Olympic bronze medalists of 2016 were beaten by Poland's Fijalek/Bryl earlier in the day, and after trailing 13-8 in the first set to Spain’s Pablo Herrera and Adrian Gavira a second successive defeat looked on the court.

However the Dutchmen haven’t won three gold medals on the World Tour this season for nothing. And the pair stormed back to win in straight sets in what was their 17th international meeting against their opponents.

“It was so crucial to bounce back because there’s no easy matches in this tournament,” said Robert after the victory. “We did not play how we would have liked in the morning and we didn’t start well in this match either. The way we played after the technical timeout and in the second set gives me confidence that we can do well in this tournament.”

Alexander agreed, adding: “It’s difficult playing two or three matches a day but we’re used to it. That’s not to say it’s easy. You can’t forget how you played in the last game but it gives you extra motivation. It gives you the will to do better in the next match. To be 4-0 down in this game isn’t easy, and that’s why I’m happy. We’ve shown we’re tough, that we’re big guys that you don’t get down easy.

“Sometimes you need a bit of luck, but at 13-8 down in the first set, to come back is amazing and I’m really happy. Our track record against them is negative and we’ve played against them many times, and that’s one of the reasons why so I’m really happy.”

Defeat for the Spaniards, however, was their second of the tournament and they will aim to get their Hamburg adventure up and running when they meet Fijalek/Bryl and then Mol/Sørum on Thursday.

Gavira said afterwards: “I think we lost the match because of our reception. I think overall we played well and had chances to win the game, but unfortunately we didn't. Tomorrow we have two tough matches and we need to win both. It won't be easy, but we'll fight.”

Remember you can watch every match from the Hamburg Finals live on BeachStream.

20 wins in a row for the @beachvolleyvikings!😱 Watch all of the #HamburgFinals on BeachStream [link in bio 🏐] @andybmol @christiansorum @fijalekbryl @vodafone_de @hamburg_de @redbullgermany

445 Likes, 3 Comments - Beach Volleyball Major Series (@beachmajorseries) on Instagram: "20 wins in a row for the @beachvolleyvikings!😱 Watch all of the #HamburgFinals on BeachStream [link..."