Brazilians conquered Los Angeles on the second weekend of June, but could not win all gold medals after a scintillating final in the women’s doubles.

77 athletes from 16 countries competed in Santa Monica, Los Angeles in three categories.

Women’s doubles

In the group stage, Paula Andrea Nunez Villamarian who was among the biggest jumpers in the latest World Ranking by finishing in the top10 at the last two events dropped out surprisingly, although instead of her usual teammate Andrea Stephania Torres Camacho, this time the Brazilian Patricia Rodriguez played along her. While Gabriella Kota and Rafaella Fontes did not lose any set until their last match, the current women’s singles title holder, Carolyn Greco with Margaret Osmundson lost in the semifinal.

The final featured three Brazilian players with Vania Moraes da Cruz and Ester Viana Mendes on one side, facing Fontes & the Hungarian Kota. Moraes Da Cruz and Viana Mendes started strong and jumped to a four-point lead in the first set, but Kota and Fontes put up an incredible comeback: they saved four consecutive set points and then capitalized on their only one. Viana Mendes & Moraes da Cruz equalized at the end of the second set and built a two-point advantage in the third, however, once again Fontes & Kota finished better with another comeback to win their first tournament together.

"It was an amazing experience to play in this tournament, especially along with Rafaella who I have never competed with before. We had many great matches on the road to the final, and the gold match was incredible. Top-level Teqball and the crowd loved it which created a fantastic atmosphere." - said Kota after the final.

Moraes da Cruz/Viana Mendes – Kota/Fontes 1:2 (11-, -10, 10-)

Top-seeded Greco/Osmundson won the bronze medal after they defeated fellow Americans Kimberly Baker and Tiffany Jackson.

Mixed doubles

Vania Moraes da Cruz did not have much time to contemplate the loss because she had to compete in the mixed double’s final. Together with her partner, Leonardo Lindoso de Almeida, she made it look easy against Americans Margaret Osmundson and Luka Pilic. However, the final score could be misleading as the duos produced amazing rallies in the gold medal game.

Leonardo Santana and Rafaella Fontes edged out Carolyn Greco and Frankie Diaz in two close sets to finish third.

Lindoso de Almeida/Moraes da Cruz – Pilic/Osmundson 2:0 (5-, 5-)

Leonardo Santana and Rafaella Fontes edged out Carolyn Greco and Frankie Diaz in two close sets to finish third.

Men’s doubles

Leonardo Santana and Leonardo Lindoso de Almeida swept the competition and cruised to victory without losing a set during the whole tournament. The 2:0 score in the final against their countryman Bruno Milhomens and American Frankie Diaz gave them their first tournament win in more than a year. The Brazilian twosome dominated from the very beginning of the weekend and never looked back. Interestingly, the two teams met in the group stages as well and Diaz & Milhomes also came up short that time. De Almeida won his second gold medal in Los Angeles.

"It is awesome to play here in Santa Monica, it is always a dream to be crowned champions of Men’s doubles at the Santa Monica Pier. I am very happy to come out on the ESPN Broadcast and as always Vamos Brazil! - expressed his feelings Santana.

Diaz/Milhomes – Santana/Lindoso de Almeida 0:2 (-4, -7)

Home players Dennis Correia and Santhy Montufar claimed the bronze as the American duo was able to win their rematch from the group stage against Joao Barreto and Pedro Henrique Lube Valladao.

The next Teqball event will be in Tunisia, the African Beach Games Hammamet 2023 between 24 & 26 June.

Every result of Teqball Tour Los Angeles can be found here.

For more pictures, visit our Flickr site.