Krafft brothers, Lück sisters crowned champions of Spring Open
Beach volleyball
Deutscher Turn und Sportverein’s (DTS) Liqui Fruit Beach Volleyball Spring Open turned into a family affair, as brothers Luka and Jura Krafft were crowned champions of the men’s Open section, while sisters Romy and Pia Lück clinched the women’s Open title at the DTS Beach Volleyball Arena last weekend.
The tournament attracted 37 two-a-side teams across the men’s and women’s U19 age categories and senior Open sections, who battled it out for top honours. It also featured four teams in a fun four-a-side social event.
Organisers said a total prize pool of N$12 000, sponsored by Liqui Fruit, was up for grabs for outstanding performances.
The Krafft brothers said they used the competition as preparation for the U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships, set to take place in Puebla, Mexico, from 16 to 22 October.
Africa’s top-ranked U21 duo qualified for the global showpiece after making history with Namibia’s first-ever beach volleyball gold medal at the Continental U21 Beach Volleyball Championships held in Morocco in July.
Training ahead of World Champs
They said they plan to hold additional training sessions this Saturday in South Africa before departing early for Mexico to acclimatise to the altitude ahead of the competition.
“We would like to thank our sponsors, Janine and Suzelle Davin Sport Trust Fund, Pupkewitz Motors, Komnik and Frank, Namibia Beach Volleyball Hub (Joachim Schuckman), Management System Optimisation and DTS. This trip would not have been possible without their support,” they said.
Right behind the Krafft brothers, who claimed gold in the men’s Open section, were Panashe Chiguta and Kudakwashe Mahachi, who finished second to take silver. The bronze medals went to Jan-Erik Sack and Conrad Johannes.
In the women’s Open section, the Lück sisters dominated to secure gold, ahead of Maike van Doorn and Carmen Curschmann in second for silver, while Rauna Shitalangaho and Meameno Heita took bronze.
The U19 boys’ section was won by Tumeretino Lebereki and partner Matheus Nahenda, followed by Tilo Gallert and Johann Ritzer in second place, with Kito Gallert and Charlie Dürrschmidt rounding off the podium in third.
In the U19 girls’ section, Isabel von Wietersheim and Nora Rogl claimed first place, ahead of Julia Ndeya and Patricia Uusiku in second, and Lilly Marschall and Nadia Böhm in third.
FIVB-qualified referee
Event organiser and participant Carmen Curschmann described the tournament as an “incredible experience from start to finish.”
“The energy on the sand was fantastic. It was great to see players of all levels come together in a competitive and fun atmosphere. There were many memorable moments, including the Krafft brothers’ standout performance in the senior section.
“The real highlight was having Ndinelago ‘Ndina’ Kasheeta, an International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)-qualified referee, join us, helping officiate matches and giving back to the beach volleyball community.”
In a statement issued by DTS, the club thanked Liqui Fruit for their ongoing support of beach volleyball in the country.
“We also appreciate all the players, coaches, parents, fans and volunteers whose dedication helped make this year’s tournament such a memorable event.”
– [email protected]
The tournament attracted 37 two-a-side teams across the men’s and women’s U19 age categories and senior Open sections, who battled it out for top honours. It also featured four teams in a fun four-a-side social event.
Organisers said a total prize pool of N$12 000, sponsored by Liqui Fruit, was up for grabs for outstanding performances.
The Krafft brothers said they used the competition as preparation for the U21 Beach Volleyball World Championships, set to take place in Puebla, Mexico, from 16 to 22 October.
Africa’s top-ranked U21 duo qualified for the global showpiece after making history with Namibia’s first-ever beach volleyball gold medal at the Continental U21 Beach Volleyball Championships held in Morocco in July.
Training ahead of World Champs
They said they plan to hold additional training sessions this Saturday in South Africa before departing early for Mexico to acclimatise to the altitude ahead of the competition.
“We would like to thank our sponsors, Janine and Suzelle Davin Sport Trust Fund, Pupkewitz Motors, Komnik and Frank, Namibia Beach Volleyball Hub (Joachim Schuckman), Management System Optimisation and DTS. This trip would not have been possible without their support,” they said.
Right behind the Krafft brothers, who claimed gold in the men’s Open section, were Panashe Chiguta and Kudakwashe Mahachi, who finished second to take silver. The bronze medals went to Jan-Erik Sack and Conrad Johannes.
In the women’s Open section, the Lück sisters dominated to secure gold, ahead of Maike van Doorn and Carmen Curschmann in second for silver, while Rauna Shitalangaho and Meameno Heita took bronze.
The U19 boys’ section was won by Tumeretino Lebereki and partner Matheus Nahenda, followed by Tilo Gallert and Johann Ritzer in second place, with Kito Gallert and Charlie Dürrschmidt rounding off the podium in third.
In the U19 girls’ section, Isabel von Wietersheim and Nora Rogl claimed first place, ahead of Julia Ndeya and Patricia Uusiku in second, and Lilly Marschall and Nadia Böhm in third.
FIVB-qualified referee
Event organiser and participant Carmen Curschmann described the tournament as an “incredible experience from start to finish.”
“The energy on the sand was fantastic. It was great to see players of all levels come together in a competitive and fun atmosphere. There were many memorable moments, including the Krafft brothers’ standout performance in the senior section.
“The real highlight was having Ndinelago ‘Ndina’ Kasheeta, an International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)-qualified referee, join us, helping officiate matches and giving back to the beach volleyball community.”
In a statement issued by DTS, the club thanked Liqui Fruit for their ongoing support of beach volleyball in the country.
“We also appreciate all the players, coaches, parents, fans and volunteers whose dedication helped make this year’s tournament such a memorable event.”
– [email protected]
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