The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2-star tournament in Rubavu concluded with the USA winning gold in both men’s and women’s categories.
In 2019, Japanese pair Shoji Kurasaka and Kensuke Shoji clinched the men’s gold after overpowering a Danish duo 2-1, whereas the Netherlands’ Mexime van Driel and Iris Reinders won gold in the women’s category after a triumphant victory against Denmark’s Signe Zibrandtsen Haaning and Cecile Kollner Olsen.
The tournament was back to the spectacular sandy shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu but this time up 1 notch to a 2-star. The Rubavu Beach Volleyball World Tour lasted 5 days and concluded on Sunday, July 18, 2021.
The USA dominated the podium, winning gold in both men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s category, the gold medal was won by Chaim Schalk and Theodore Brunner, who defeated their compatriots Chase Budinger and Troy Field 2-0 (25-23, 21-15).
In the women’s category, USA pair, Sarah Hughes and Emily Day collected the gold medals, after defeating the Germans Chantal Laboureur and Sarah Schulz 2-1 sets (19-21, 21-13, 16-14).
In this competition, Rwanda was represented by four pairs consisting of two men’s and two women’s pairs. Charlotte Nzayisenga and Valentine Munezero managed to reach the last 16 and got eliminated by Ukrainians Inna Makhno and Iryna Makhno 2-0 (21-7, 21-9).
The tournament was held under strict guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 with no fans. As usual, games on the sand are considered festive and holiday parties.
