Italian pair Gottardi, Orsi Toth lead Elite16 beach volleyball in Hamburg

Valentina Gottardi and Reka Orsi Toth opened the Beach Pro Tour Elite16 tournament in Hamburg with two straight 2‑0 victories. They defeated the seeded Brazilian duo Ana Patricia and Carol Horta 21‑13, 21‑18, then overcame the Australian pair Fejes and Clancy 21‑18, 21‑19, posting dominant side‑out percentages and a high number of break points.

The wins placed the Italians at the top of Pool D and put them in position to secure a direct berth in the quarter‑finals. Their next match is scheduled for Friday against the German team of Sandra Ittlinger and Karla Borger Kim, which will determine whether they lock in that quarter‑final spot.