Johns and Boulton narrowly miss out on Medals

With a fantastic home crowd supporting them, Denise Johns and Lucy Boulton took to centre court hoping to make it to the final of the VISA FIVB Beach International on Sunday 14th August. However, in a close contest they just missed out losing in three sets to Jennifer Kessy and April Ross of the United States 13-21, 21-17 and 10-15.

In the bronze medal match, the Great Britain beach volleyball pair again missed out a podium place losing to the experienced Brazilian pair of Vivian Danielle da Conceicao Cunha and Taiana Lima. The Brazilians winning 21-19, 21-18 in a close match with the British team in front of a capacity crowd at the Olympic Test Event.

Lucy Boulton was optimistic and positive after the games, 'We feel disappointed with the loss today, but looking across the whole week there's been loads of positives and some real career highs. We just need to carry that on for the next couple of weeks and make it count on the World Tour.

'The focus has really been on us this week, but it hasn't daunted us at all, we've really risen to the occasion and the crowd has helped us along and cheered us into making shots and finding that extra inch when needed.'

The final was won by Brazilian pair Lili and Angela Vieira who beat April Ross and Jennifer Kessy, 2-1 (10-21, 21-15, 15-13)

The event at Horse Guards Parade was well received by spectators and press - who all praised the competition. British Olympic Association CEO and Team GB Chef de Mission for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Andy Hunt, even suggesting that a beach volleyball event should be held every year in London.

The 1,500 seater site at Horse Guards Parade will increase to 15,000 next year and is likely to be one of the most exciting and memorable sports at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Johns and Boulton narrowly miss out on Medals