Gold for USA’s Dalhausser/Lucena at 2016 Fuzhou Open

 Fuzhou, China, April 23, 2016 – USA’s Philip Dalhausser and Nicholas Lucena are back on top, taking gold under wet conditions for their final against Italy’s Paolo Nicolai and Daniele Lupo at the 2016 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Fuzhou Open.The two sides have never actually played each other while Dalhausser and Lucena have been a team, but every player on the court was absolutely aware of the others capabilities. The first set progressed evenly with Nicolai and Dalhausser almost equal in stature at the net, Nicolai standing at 203cm, Dalhausser at 205cm.The US team demonstrating their usual calm and collected manner crept ahead in the first set and even Nicolai’s major hits could not save the set for Italy, 21-18. The second set saw power and accuracy from both sides, Lucena and Lupo equally able to get around blocks at the net. Paolo Nicolai from Italy and USA’s Philip Dalhausser and Nicholas Lucena Dalhausser/Lucena began to pull away from the Italians and by 17-13, the gap was becoming increasingly difficult to close. A heart breaking long serve by Nicolai lost match point and the gold medal was secure for Dalhausser/Lucena 2-0 (21-18, 21-15).“I played average, but this guy played great, he was by far the best player out there, he sided out I think every single ball, it was all him,” said Dalhausser.“Hats off to Nicolai and Lupo. Lupo has been sick all weekend and they played smooth, it’s frustrating playing against him. Phil got some blocks on the big guy, we switched it up and were just able to side out and pass and set in the rain …

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