In a stunning opening match of the Beach Pro Tour 2025 Itapema Elite, Lithuania’s Erika Kliokmanaite and Ieva Vasiliauskaite earned a landmark victory by defeating Brazil’s Carol Salgado and Rebecca Cavalcanti in straight sets (22-20, 22-20). The Brazilian pair, highly favored as the world’s No. 2 team and recent World Championship medalists, were expected to dominate the pool stage at their home venue, Meia Praia Beach.
However, the Lithuanian underdogs—fresh from the qualifying rounds—maintained their composure and precision to secure what is likely the tournament’s biggest early upset. The win positions them just one more victory away from a direct advancement to the Round of 12, a significant step forward considering their previous best finish was only 13th place earlier this season.
Key Match Highlights
- Brazilian duo: Carol and Rebecca entered ranked No. 2 globally.
- Lithuanian momentum: Erika and Ieva claimed their upset the day after qualifying.
- Set scores: 22-20, 22-20 in favor of the Lithuanians.
Their next opponent will be Ukraine’s Inna and Iryna Makhno, who are also riding momentum after sweeping Japan’s Non and Ren Matsumoto.
Other Opening Day Performances
- Pool B: Thâmela Coradello and Victoria Lopes, World Championship semifinalists, led early with a win over Elize Maia and Carol Horta.
- Pool C: Americans Hailey Harward and Molly Phillips outlasted Spain’s Sofía Izuzquiza and Ana Vergara in a tight three-set match.
- Pool D: Another Lithuanian team—Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite—triumphed over Americans Abby Van Winkle and Devanne Sours.
What’s Next
The tournament continues Friday with 12 matches that will determine the final placements ahead of the knockout stage. The competition is set to culminate on Sunday with the semifinals and medal rounds, promising more intense showdowns on the sand.
For full coverage and updates from the Beach Pro Tour 2025 Itapema Elite, visit the official FIVB page here.
