(Adds Swiss win, quotes)
By Nigel Hunt
LONDON, July 30 (Reuters) – The brilliance of Brazil’s
Ricardo Santos ensured hosts Britain suffered another defeat in
the men’s beach volleyball tournament despite passionate support
at the Horse Guards Parade on Monday.
“We never had so much support. They are pushing you, it felt
like the stands might come down. The support was huge and we
lost. I can’t imagine what happens if we win,” Britain’s Steve
Grotowski said after he and John Garcia-Thompson were beaten 2-0
(21-17, 21-12) by Ricardo and Pedro Cunha.
Ricardo, known as ‘The Wall’ because of his strength in
defence, has a complete collection of Olympic medals, winning
gold in Athens, silver in Sydney and bronze in Beijing.
“We lost to the best team in the world. Ricardo could be the
best player of the tournament,” Garcia-Thompson told reporters.
Ricardo also won plaudits from his team mate Cunha.
“No matter who they support – us or the opponents – Ricardo
loves this. That’s why he is legend. He helps me out all the
time. He supports me with great blocking and setting,” Cunha
said following a second successive victory.
Grotowski and Garcia-Thompson remain winless.
Continued…
