Anna Harrington / AAP News
The Gold Coast 2018 and Tokyo 2020 silver medallists continue their stellar run at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Australians Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar have crushed Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets to charge into the women’s beach volleyball quarters finals at the Commonwealth Games.
Clancy and Artacho del Solar cruised through their pool match 21-7 21-6 in just 30 minutes to seal qualification with one game to go.
The pair had nine aces and nailed 22/27 of their attacks in windy conditions.
“It felt like another step forward from our last game, which is good,” Clancy said.
“It was a bit windier today which is a nice new challenge but also I really enjoy that for our serving.
“That really is an edge over some teams who don’t get to travel and tour as much as us.”
Australia next play fellow undefeated group B team Cyprus on Thursday.
Clancy delighted in sealing progression but was keen to finish the group stage on a high.
“That’s another tick obviously for us, to just sit and acknowledge that moment,” she said.
“But we really want to take it to Cyprus, we’re definitely not going to try to take the foot off the pedal.”
Artacho del Solar noted the pair knew exactly what to expect against Cyprus.
“We watched their game against Trinidad and Tobago on video last night just to have a bit of an idea of what they do, she said.
“They’re a great team so we have to make sure we focus on our side of the court.”