The US erupted with a wave of happiness, triumph, and pride on 15th October 2023. The Americans were blessed with a beach volleyball world championship after a dry spell lasting 14 long years. Fans had their fingers crossed as the US duo faced the Brazilian defending champions in Mexico.

Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes made history by winning the gold medal at the FIVB World Beach Volleyball Championships. They struggled hard to reach the finals after a grueling campaign run. However, Team USA utterly dominated their opponents in the finals, leaving them no chance of recovery. In fact, despite a staunch Brazilian effort, Cheng and Hughes razed the opposition to the ground with a clean sweep.

US beach volleyball duo neutralizes intense Brazilian offense

Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng are known for their well-rounded gameplay having equal amounts of both offensive and defensive prowess. The US women displayed an ultimate show of defense against the high-caliber offense of Brazilians Ana Patricia and Duda. While the Brazilian women continued their trustee attacking onslaught, the iron defense of Cheng and Hughes completely neutralized it. Despite winning 34 points via attack compared to America’s 27, the Brazilians failed to find even a single set winning break.

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On the other hand, Cheng and Hughes poked holes in the strong Brazilian offense and weakened their spirit. The duo posted six towering blocks against Brazil, which forced Duda and Patricia to concede 10 points via errors. Seeing the opposition’s attack crumble, the US responded with two service aces of their own. Eventually, Cheng and Hughes registered an insurmountable 2-0 win, with scores of 16-21 and 22-24. 

The historic gold medal win comes after a 14-year title drought since 2009. Interestingly Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes weren’t even a team until the fall of last year. The duo had started as each other’s first partners but then separated for four years before reuniting. But, they realized that they only work best when they work with each other. In fact, they came back so strongly that they defeated a pair known for their insane ability and teamwork.

Conquering compatriots Kloth and Nuss to rise to the top

America’s Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss were clear favorites for the tournament alongside Duda and Ana Patricia. The US duo had established themselves as a gigantic force in the world of beach volleyball. The American fans found themselves short of breath when the semi-finals turned into an eliminator between two US pairs.

Cheng and Hughes gave their all to beat Kloth and Nuss in a staunch 2-1 semi-final victory. In fact, when the crowd witnessed Hughes and Cheng crush Kloth and Nuss with a 21-12 set win, they knew they were looking at the new world champs.

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Overcoming Nuss and Kloth served as the perfect motivation Cheng and Hughes needed to demolish the defending champs. Kloth and Nuss went on to win the bronze after their semi-final exit. The FIVB World Beach Volleyball World Championship win made Cheng and Hughes the third woman duo from America to ever claim the title.

The beach volleyball heavyweights will now look forward to repeating their success in Mexico at Paris. Will Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng be able to win the 2024 Olympics gold medal as well?

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