Norwegians net first win at 2009 FIVB Worlds

Ingrid Torlen (right) and Nila Ann Hakedal of Norway celebrate a point in the opening match of the 2009 World Championships in Stavanger, Norway on June 25, 2009. Photo: FIVB

STAVANGER, Norway — With an overflow crowd of over 8,000 watching on the Vågen Harbor center court following the opening ceremonies for the 2009 FIVB World Championships, Norway’s Nila Ann Håkedal and Ingrid Tørlen did not disappoint the host country beach volleyball followers here Thursday evening.

Facing 40th-seeded Stine Andreasen and Lotte Vestergaard of Denmark in the first-ever FIVB World Tour meeting between the two teams, the ninth-seeded Nila Ann and Ingrid posted a 21-16 and 21-17 Pool I play win in 40 minutes in the first of 208 men’s and women’s matches to be played over the next 10 days on the dockside courts.

“The crowd was electric and we are happy that we were able to produce a win for Norway this evening to start these world championships,” said Ingrid, who will be 30 next month (July 21). “We still have two very tough matches to play in our pool against teams with Olympic experience like us. Every match is important as our goal is to win the pool to gain a good spot in the elimination bracket.”

Nila Ann and Ingrid’s next pool play match is against 33rd-seeded Andrezza “Rtvelo” Martins and Cristine “Saka” Santanna of Georgia Sunday followed by a meeting Tuesday against Stephanie Pohl and Okka Rau of Germany. Both of the teams competed in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where the Norwegians placed ninth.

Read more on: Universalsports.com / Vmstavanger.com