Giovannini-Beccacioli claim first Sand Series title in thriller

The Playa de las Canteras saw the Sand Series Gran Canaria Classic come to a thrilling conclusion with both championship matches going the distance in match tie-breaks.

Nicolas Gianotti and Mattia Spoto came agonisingly close to defending their title, including going up 7-0 in the match tie break as well as holding a championship point at 9-8 before Doriano Beccaccioli and Tommaso Giovannini came roaring back to take the last three points and the championship. This is a maiden Sand Series win for Beccaccioli and a second for Giovannini after claiming the Saarlouis title in the inaugural Sand Series event in 2021.

Beccaccioli, who dropped to his knees as Gianotti’s overhead sunk into the net to claim the biggest title of his career, said afterwards: "I would like to thank my partner for believing in me as I did with him. It’s incredible.”

The feeling was mutual, with Giovannini adding: “I dedicate this victory to my partner and to my family.” The Italian former world No. 1 is familiar with match tiebreak epics having found himself on the wrong side of an 8-2 comeback against the same opposition at the Sand Series Brasilia Classic two years ago.

It was then the women’s turn to take centre stage as 2021 champions Rafaella Miiller and Patricia Diaz reclaimed the Gran Canaria Classic crown beating Vitoria Marchezini and Sophia Chow in the final. Marchezini, who was seeking her second Sand Series title after claiming the Brasilia crown in 2021, and Chow, playing in her first Sand Series final, were two points from the opening set but failed to serve it out. Marchezini and Chow bounced back to take the second 6-1, but Diaz and Miiller were too strong in the match tie-break, which they took for the loss of just three points.

This marks the third Sand Series title for the pair after their victory here two years ago as well as last year’s Réunion Classic title. The win was extra special for Miiller, as it took place on her 30th birthday. Diaz said after the match: “I wanted to give her an amazing present, so I’m extremely happy with this victory.”

There will be little time to soak up these victories with the World Championships getting underway this week in Cesenatico, Italy.