Jinjiang, China, June 2, 2018 – Japan’s Sayaka Mizoe/Suzuka Hashimoto beat USA’s Aurora Davis/Bree Scarbrough in straight sets and Chinese Taipei’s Kou Nai-Han/Liu Pi Hsin prevailed in a five-set clash against Japan’s Reika/Murakami/Chiyo Suzuki to set up an all-Asian finale at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Jinjiang 2-star.
Mizoe/Hashimoto climbed to the top with a convincing straight-set wins. They opened the day whipping China’s Cao Shuting/Zeng Jinjin 2-0 (21-15, 21-16) in the Round of 16, then ruled their quarterfinal match-up with Germany’s Lisa Arnholdt/Leonie Welsch 2-0 (21-19, 21-16).
The Japanese fourth seeds concluded the day with a solid 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) win over up-and-coming USA pair Scarbrough/Davis in the semifinal.
The Japanese pair will appear in their third final in less than a month since winning silver at Phnom Penh 2-star and gold at Tuan Chau Island 1-star.
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FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour - Jinjiang
Kou N.H/Liu P.H. rallied from a set down to defeat Canada’s Christine Lapointe/Charlotte Sider 2-1 (19-21, 21-14, 15-12) in the Round of 16, then aced the quarterfinals with a 2-0 (21-18, 21-17) victory over second-seeded Swiss pair Laura Caluori/Dunja Gerson.
The Chinese Taipei duo worked their way to the top after enduring a tough battle against Japan’s Reika Murakami/Chiyo Suzuki 2-1 (14-21, 23-21, 15-13) in the semifinals.
The entry of Kou N.H/Liu P.H. to the Jinjiang final gives them and their country a chance to make it to the podium for the first time, and an opportunity to be the 15th women’s team in World Tour history to win a gold medal after qualifying for the main draw.