The Itapema Elite16 began with a dramatic twist as Lithuanian pair Erika Kliokmanaite and Ieva Vasiliauskaite stunned Brazilian favorites Carol Salgado and Rebecca Cavalcanti in straight sets (22-20, 22-20). This surprising victory at Meia Praia Beach in Brazil upended expectations in the tournament’s opening round and underscored the unpredictability of the Beach Pro Tour.
The Brazilian duo, fresh off a bronze medal finish at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, were expected to advance deep into the tournament. With this early setback in Pool A, they're now forced into a challenging path if they hope to recover and contend for a podium finish.
Kliokmanaite, aged 40, and 25-year-old Vasiliauskaite only reunited earlier this season. Entering through qualification, their only other Elite16 appearance this year ended with a 13th-place result in Cape Town. This win positions them well for a possible straight entry into the Round of 12. Their next match against Ukraine’s Makhno twins will be a crucial test.
Other Key Results
- Thâmela Coradello and Victoria Lopes continued their momentum after a strong World Championship showing, winning their all-Brazilian match.
- Canada’s Marie-Alex Bélanger and Lea Monkhouse edged Puerto Rico in a close three-set thriller.
- Hailey Harward and Molly Phillips from the USA narrowly defeated Spain’s Sofia Izuzquiza and Ana Vergara in Pool C.
- Brazilians Thainara Feitosa and Talita Simonetti delivered another upset by beating Lithuanian Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte.
What’s Ahead
Friday will conclude pool play, determining which teams move directly to the Round of 12, while others will need to survive the Round of 18 later that same day. The quarterfinals are set for Saturday, and the event will wrap with semifinals and medal matches on Sunday.
As part of the 2025 Beach Pro Tour, the Itapema stop is a vital destination for teams seeking ranking points and late-season form. With competition heating up, every match now carries significant weight.
