Friday, 17 May 2024

In China, Hyden/Bourne Earn Silver; Ross/Walsh Jennings Win Bronze

The USA had a remarkable showing in Xiamen, China, with two teams reaching the podium. John Hyden and Tri Bourne claimed silver, while April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings earned bronze.

A Strong Performance by Hyden/Bourne and Ross/Walsh Jennings

Hyden/Bourne’s silver medal marks their second medal of Olympic qualification and their best finish as a team since winning the Berlin Grand Slam in 2014. This accomplishment greatly improves their chances of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.

For Ross/Walsh Jennings, their bronze medal extends their impressive streak of three consecutive podium finishes in Olympic qualification. They continue to showcase their prowess and are well on their way to securing their spot in the Olympics.

Impressive Results for American Teams

All six American teams at the Xiamen Open finished in the Top 25. Jennifer Kessy and Emily Day’s ninth-place finish will boost their Olympic point standings. Additionally, three teams tied for 25th place after being eliminated in pool play: Lauren Fendrick/Brooke Sweat, Jennifer Fopma/Brittany Hochevar, and Lane Carico/Summer Ross.

Hyden/Bourne’s Journey to the Podium

Hyden and Bourne had a spectacular performance in Xiamen. They swept their pool matches against Norway, Poland, and France and continued their winning streak in the subsequent rounds. The semifinal match against Mexico went into an extra frame, and they emerged victorious. Although they lost the gold medal match against Spain, their overall performance was exceptional.

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Ross/Walsh Jennings’ Dominance

Ross and Walsh Jennings proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with. They dominated their pool matches against China, Russia, and Slovakia. In the round of 16, they defeated Argentina with ease. Despite facing a tough challenge from Switzerland in the third round, they rallied and secured the win. Their semifinal match against Austria was closely fought but ended with a loss. However, they quickly rebounded and claimed the bronze medal by defeating Germans Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude.

The Road Ahead

The FIVB World Tour continues in China at the Fuzhou Open. With seven events remaining in the Olympic rankings qualification period, there is still time for teams to secure their spots in the Olympics. The race for qualification will intensify, and teams will need to maintain their form and consistency to earn their place on the Olympic stage.

FAQs

Q: How many American teams reached the podium in the Xiamen Open in China?
A: Two American teams reached the podium in the Xiamen Open – John Hyden/Tri Bourne won silver, and April Ross/Kerri Walsh Jennings won bronze.

Q: What is the significance of Hyden/Bourne’s silver medal?
A: Hyden/Bourne’s silver medal is their second medal of Olympic qualification and their best finish as a team since winning the Berlin Grand Slam in 2014. It greatly improves their chances of qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.

Q: How many podium finishes have Ross/Walsh Jennings achieved in Olympic qualification?
A: Ross/Walsh Jennings have achieved five podium finishes in Olympic qualification, with their bronze medal in the Xiamen Open being their third podium finish in 2016.

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Summary

In the Xiamen Open in China, American teams John Hyden/Tri Bourne and April Ross/Kerri Walsh Jennings showcased their skills and claimed silver and bronze medals, respectively. Hyden/Bourne’s silver medal is their best finish since 2014 and significantly improves their chances of Olympic qualification. Ross/Walsh Jennings’ bronze medal adds to their impressive streak in Olympic qualification. With more events to come, the race for Olympic qualification continues to intensify. The American teams will need to maintain their form and consistency to secure their spots in the Olympics.