Xue Chen and Xia Xinyi, a Chinese beach volleyball duo, have advanced to the top 16 in the 2024 Beach Volleyball Professional Tour Challenge in Saquarema, Brazil. The pair won two consecutive games, securing the top spot in their group.
In their first match against host players Andreesa and Tainara, Xue Chen and Xia Xinyi faced a tough battle, losing the second game but ultimately clinching the victory with a decisive win in the third game. Their second match of the day against the Spanish team Alvarez and Moreno saw Xue Chen and Xia Xinyi making a comeback after trailing in the first game. They eventually won the match in a nail-biting decisive game.
After securing their spot in the top 16, Xue Chen expressed the difficulties they faced in both matches and the need to adapt and strive for every point. The Chinese team is currently ranked eighth in the world in terms of points for the Paris Olympics, with a high possibility of qualifying for the event. The coaching staff has planned for Xue Chen and Xia Xinyi to participate in future tournaments to increase their points and prepare for the Olympics.
Xue Chen highlighted the importance of participating in competitions to find and solve problems, ultimately aiming to perform better in the upcoming Olympics. The duo will continue to compete in the remaining stops of the World Tour and Challenger Tour to secure their spot in Paris.