Blue-yellow dream start for the gold hopes.
David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig won their first match in the OS in Paris.
It's clear that we're satisfied, says Åhman.
The beach volleyball duo defeated the Australian duo Mark Nicolaidis/Izac Carracher in two straight sets, 21–14, 21–19.
The Australians did save three match balls. But in the end, the Swedish stars won relatively steadily.
It's clear that we're satisfied, Åhman begins.
But it's always tough in the first match of a big championship. There's a bit of nerves. But super nice that we could keep focus and play the game we want. But then we have more to give, we feel.
For Åhman/Hellvig, this was their debut in the OS for seniors. In 2018, they played the Youth OS and won gold in Argentina.
But there wasn't much nervousness to talk about on the spectacular arena by the Eiffel Tower.
The first balls are a bit extra shaky. But when you start playing, you get into it and can focus more on the match. It went pretty well, I think, says Åhman.
The next group stage match is played on Monday.
Lasse Mannheimer/TT
Karl Sundström/TT
Facts: Sweden in the men's OS beach volleyball
TT
Group stage (pool A)
Monday, July 29: Åhman/Hellvig–Cherif Younousse/Ahmed Tijan, Qatar (20.00).
Thursday, August 1: Åhman/Hellvig–Samuele Cottafava/Paolo Nicolai, Italy (17.00).
The two best teams in the six groups (pool A–F) advance to the round of 16 along with the two best group thirds. The remaining four group thirds qualify for the last two round of 16 spots. All matches are played at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Round of 16: August 4–5.
Quarterfinals: August 6–7.
Semifinals: Thursday, August 8.
Final and bronze match, Saturday, August 10
