Kish Island, Iran, February 17, 2017 – Germany's Lorenz Schumann and Julius Thole remain focused on a medal in their first semifinal appearance on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour.
Their biggest achievement thus far at the Kish Island 3-Star 2017 is their 2-1 (21-19, 12-21, 15-12) win over compatriots Markus Bockermann and Lars Fluggen in the quarterfinal filled with breath-taking plays and never-ending rallies.
"It was a really difficult game. Most of all, in the second set, we started to struggle due to unforced errors and had to fight our way back into the game. Nevertheless, we realised that we had to step up our game and keep cool. I am really proud of our comeback in the third set," Schumann said after the game.
Youngster Julius Thole, on the other hand, had to admit that it was a very special Round of 16 game for him.
"We know Markus Bockermann and Lars Fluggen very well, not only because we usually train together but also because we are good friends," Thole said. "Of course, you try to focus on the game and on winning, but I think it is always difficult to play such games, especially when you’re battling for a spot in the semis."
The top-4 ranking in the second stop of the World Tour is very crucial for the team that has been together for just a year.
"3-Star tournaments are very important for teams like us that are hunting a regular main draw spot in FIVB events. That is why we wanted to start our season with a top spot here at Kish Island and we obviously succeeded.
Schumann/Thole are not resting on their laurels but the pair instead are eyeing a medal in Kish Island.
Schumann is convinced their matchup with Nikita Liamin and Viacheslav Krasilnikov is going to be a very tough one.
"I think the two are the big favourites for this matchup. Most of all their blocking game is going to be the biggest challenge for us. Nevertheless, we have to focus on our own game and play our best beach volleyball and force them to adapt to our game. That’s the only way to prevail."
