Back-to-back WEVZA Rimini golds for Dutchwomen Van Vegten and De Groot

The two young players from Rotterdam, Leanne van Vegten and Jill de Groot, secured on Sunday their second straight success at the annual WEVZA zonal event organized in Rimini by PowerBeach. The Dutchwomen did not concede a single set through the competition contested from June 26 to 28 – and they claimed a close final match (21-18, 21-19) against home favourites Valeria Tallevi Diotallevi/Sara Franzoni, representing hosting club PowerBeach. Earlier this season, Van Vegten and De Groot had also won gold at the Beach Pro Tour Futures held in Apeldoorn. 

Another Italian team – Anna Pelloia/Maria Rachele Mancinelli – completed the podium after the bronze medal match was cancelled following the withdrawal – due to injury – of their countrywomen Claudia Puccinelli and Aurora Mattavelli. 

“Even though the extreme heat did, without much success, try to stop the enthusiasm of the players, audience and local organisers, we are happy with the outcome of this event. We feel at home here in Rimini and we are happy to see that this location is regarded in high esteem – as we would like it to become a real hub for Beach Volleyball players from across Europe. We would like to thank the CEV, WEVZA, and the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) for their continued trust for many years and also the company NeverGiveUp chaired by Carlton Myers for their support. Thank you also to the local hosts at Tiki26 for their warm hospitality. We already look forward to the next edition,” said Enrico Lupatelli, Event Manager at PowerBeach.