There were quite a few surprises today at the SWATCH FIVB U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships on Brighton Beach. The sun finally came out, two favourites exited the tournament and three Dutch teams have made it through to tomorrow's Finals. In the women's tournament, last year's silver medalists, Becchara Palmer and Alice Rohkamper, from Australia, were knocked out by qualifiers Sophie Van Gestel and Michelle Stiekema from the Netherlands. Sophie said, "We were really pleased to beat the Aussies especially as they were favourites to make it to the final." The second Dutch women's pairing, no. 4 seeds, Marleen Van Lersel and Danielle Remmers also won both their games and have made it through to tomorrow's semi final. When asked what would happen if they end up facing each other in the Finals Sophie jovially replied, "We'll whip them!" The infamous Brazilians, who as a nation have won this tournament six out of seven times, have also left the competition. The two Dutch teams will be joined by Poland and Switzerland in Finals. There were also a few unexpected outcomes in the men's tournament. Italy has two teams through to the final; last year's winners Francesco Giontella and Paolo Nicolai, and the Ingrosso twins, Matteo and Paolo, who had to qualify for the competition on Wednesday and were seeded 21st out of 24 initial teams. The Italians will be joined by Germany and the Netherlands; the third Dutch team to make it to the Finals. The drier weather on Saturday morning encouraged people out of their homes and the 2000 seater spectator stand, which has been erected at Nivea Sun Yellowave for the event, was scattered with crowds in the afternoon, enjoying the fast paced play and entertainment from a local cheerleading dance troop. Play begins at 10am on Sunday with the men's semi finals. At 11am the women are on court and the gold medal finals will be played from 3pm onwards. It's free to watch the matches so make sure you don't miss this opportunity to see the best young teams in the world play the most colourful Olympic sport. For more information please see www.brightonbeachvolleyball.com | 
