Xiamen, China, April 16, 2016 – Spain’s seventh seeds Pablo Herrera and Adrian Gavira rallied past fourth seeds Konstantin Semenov/Viacheslav Krasilnikov of Russia 2-1 (19-21, 21-16, 15-10) Saturday to meet John Hyden/Tri Bourne of the United States in the men’s final of the $150,000 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Xiamen Open.
After dropping the first set, Herrera/Gavira took advantage of some fantastic blocking to level one set back. In the third set, Herrera/Gavira continued their momentum, jumping to a 5-1 lead and never looked back.
“We made three blocks in the second set and that made the difference,” said Herrera. “The blocks gave us confidence and strength to come back.”
Herrera/Gavira, the 2015 Moscow Grand Slam champions, will strive to win their second gold medal together in the World Tour.
“Now we are in the final and we will enjoy it,” Gavira said.
In the other semifinal match, American fifth seeds John Hyden/Tri Bourne outlasted Mexico’s ninth seeds Lombardo Ontiveros/Juan Virgen 2-1 (21-18, 17-21, 15-12).
The men’s bronze medal match and gold medal match are slated for Saturday afternoon.