Intro:

The Brazilian Open - the season-opener on the 2012 FIVB calendar - took place recently (April 20-22th) with the new season getting underway in some style.

Script:

Where better to start the volleyball season than in Brazil?

And the sun was shining on China's Chen Xue and Xi Zhang in their match against Brazil's Maria Antonelli and Talita Antunes

They took the first set 21-17. In the second an injury slowed down proceedings but the Brazilian was deemed fit to continue.

The match didn't last that much longer though. They lost the second 21-15.

The Chinese pair increasing their FIVB career gold medal total to 10.

In the men's the signal was for a grudge match and it was an all-star affair with both teams coming from America.

Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers took on compatriots Matt Fuerbringer and Nick Lucena.

Olympic champions Dalhausser/Rogers had few worries wining the set 21-17

There were some moments of real drama in the second. This the best of several long rallies that tired both teams. But it was Dalhausser and Rogers who claimed their third consecutive title in this event winning the second set 21-18.