Italy's Francesco Giontella and Paolo Nicolai have retained their title as World under 21 Champions at the SWATCH FIVB Beach Volleyball in Brighton. They successfully beat the Dutch no. 5 seeds, Alexander Brouwer and Christian Varenhorst in two straight sets. Speaking after the game Giontella said, "The match went really well for us in the first set and at the beginning of the second set. However they really made us work in the last part of the game. They played really well. It was a bit warmer today and dry so it was easier to play." He continued, "The whole tournament has been amazing. We won all of our matches in two straight sets. My partner, Nicolai, has been great, so many good blocks." Nicolai was also awarded a gold beach volleyball, courtesy of Nivea Sun, for being the 'Best Blocker' of the competition and a limited edition SWATCH watch for being the 'Most Outstanding Player' of the tournament. Their gold medal also earns them a 'Wild Card' place at a future SWATCH FIVB World Tour event this year or in 2009. The bronze medal went to the second Italian men's pairing, twins, Paolo and Matteo Ingrosso, who have been entertaining the crowds with exciting play and flamboyant victory celebrations! The orange army were out in force today in the stands to cheer on the three Dutch teams which made it through to Finals day. It was an all Netherlands final in the women's tournament with the Marleen Van lersel, who was playing in her ninth junior/youth world finale, and her partner Danielle Remmers, taking on the no. 23 seeds Sophie Van Gestel and Michelle Stikema. It was a close fought match but in the end experience prevailed and Van lersel's gold medal aspirations were realised as they beat their fellow countrymen in 32 minutes in two straight sets. "I will always remember Brighton since I finally claimed gold at my last junior's event," said the 20-year old Van Iersel, who was named the SWATCH 'most outstanding player' this week. "Since it takes two players to win a title, I credit my partner for playing very well this week. I am very thankful for the FIVB for sanctioning and promoting these events for younger players. These events are helpful in developing a player's talents as we can realise success while improving our skills." The women's bronze medal went to Polish girls Monika Brzostek and Karolina Sowala. The players weren't the only people involved in the event which received recognition for their efforts today. The 124 volunteers, which helped make the tournament happen were also praised by everyone involved for weathering the wind and rain which has plagued the event every day except for today. 17 year old volunteer Ashley Williams from Lewis said, "It's been a lot of fun and I have learned loads about beach volleyball. I have never played it before but I definitely want to give it a go now. It's been brilliant!" Instead of supplying sun cream, as hoped, presenting sponsor Nivea Sun have been issuing rain ponchos for most of the week. Rachael Jones, Brand Manager for Nivea Sun, which also sponsor the event venue, Nivea Sun Yellowave said, "This has been a fantastic event, despite the weather and we are so proud to have been involved. Moving from being a facility sponsor to beach volleyball on the world stage is a wonderful development for us." This is the first time that the UK has staged the world championships and Ian Taylor, Head of Events at Brighton and Hove City Council was thrilled that they chose Brighton. He said, "It is an honour to have had the opportunity to stage these games in our city. It has been a spectacular event and despite the wet weather, we couldn't have asked for any more." He continued, "Taking place just one week after the handover from Beijing, this tournament marks the start of the London Olympiad and we hope to have presented the South East region as a worthy stage for all the future sporting events which will take place over the next four years as we work towards 2012." | 
