Brazilian duo of Larissa and Juliana won the gold medal on Sunday at the Osaka stage of the World Circuit of beach volleyball.
The Brazilians beat the Chinese team of Tian Jia and Wang Jie 21-16 and 21-9. In addition, Juliana was named as the most valuable player of the tournament.
"Friday was a wake-up call for us. We played very bad against the Australians and we knew that we had to do something to recuperate our focus," said Larissa referring to their loss against Tamsin Barnett and Natalie Cook. The team was indeed able to refocus and beat the Australians in Sunday's semifinals match.
Sunday's victory is Juliana and Larissa's second World Circuit title. Their first came in Adelaide, Australia when they beat their compatriots, Talita and Renata.
The team still stands alone at the top of points accumulated this season. They have nearly guaranteed their presence in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The bronze medal went to Chinese Xue and Zhang, beating Australian Cook and Barnett 21-17 and 21-17.
The next stage in the World Circuit of beach volleyball will be held in Barcelona, Spain from May 26-31.
(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2008)