Clancy, Bawden claim straight sets win in opening clash on Copacabana Beach

AUSTRALIA’S top ranked beach volleyballers Taliqua Clancy and Louise Bawden have secured a first-up win over Costa Rica at party central, on Copacabana Beach.

Taliqua Clancy and Louise Bawden opened their Rio account with a victory on day one

AUSTRALIA’S top ranked beach volleyballers Taliqua Clancy and Louise Bawden have secured a first-up win at party central, on Copacabana Beach.

To the loud tunes of Colin Hay’s ‘Land Down Under’, the seventh seeds won in straight sets over Costa Rica - 21-15 and 21-14.

In scorching heat and in front of approximately 5,000 fans, the Australian duo appeared comfortable and composed despite the significance of the venue and occasion.

Taliqua Clancy and Louise Bawden opened their Rio account with a victory on day one

“It was awesome. We could hear a few Aussies straight away so it was really special.,’’ Clancy said.

Bawden said the pre-Olympic hype about the colosseum-style arena created a sense of anticipation moments prior to their opening pool match.

“Not that it really changed anything for us, there’s some little things that we know can make it a little bit smoother and just from freeing up and getting out there,’’ Bawden said.

The pair won the match on the back of a devastating service game.

Aussies star in the pool on Day 1

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“We know it will get easier for us as we go through the tournament as it gets more full because the white seating is a little bit bright and the tape is white - so there’s a bit of white on white there,’’ Bawden said.

“It’s one step in the right direction, there’s three steps in the pool and we want to make sure all those are wins.’’

The pair now have a day off before returning to face Venuezela on Monday in Rio.

Originally published as Clancy, Bawden claim straight sets win in opening clash on Copacabana Beach