Martin Reader of the Comox Valley, and partner Josh Binstock of Toronto, nearly brought one of the world's best beach volleyball teams to its knees in the sands of Horse Guards Parade on Wednesday.
World No. 3 Pedro Cunha and Ricardo Santos of Brazil prevailed in straight sets 21-18, 24-22, but they realized they were in a sandy struggle in remaining undefeated at 3-0 at the 2012 London Summer Olympics
"This was such an amazing opportunity to play a match like that on this stage," said the six-foot-seven, part-time model Reader, a former Camosun College Chargers standout out of Highland Secondary in Comox.
"We had a really good game plan. It was fun and we played a really high level of volleyball. I'm looking forward to our next match."
There will be a next match as the Canadians finished pool play 1-2 but still advanced to contest a wildcard play-in game today against a team to be determined, with the winner of that advancing to the Sweet 16 round.
"We really thought we could win the [Brazil] game," Binstock said, in a statement. "It was good to battle them - they are one of the best teams in the world. We didn't lose it, they took it."
- Meanwhile, at the London Aquatics Centre, Island Swimming/Victoria Swim Academy stalwart Julia Wilkinson was denied advancement to the Olympic final in the women's 100metre freestyle when she placed 13th in the semifinals.
"I really believed I could make that final,'' said Wilkinson, in a release.
"I'm frustrated. It's hard to put in everything and not get the result."
TODAY
3, 4 and 9 a.m on Chs. 5/23 (TSN/SNP) - TBA.
3 a.m on Ch. 24 (OLN) -Equestrian.
9 a.m. on Ch. 9 (CTV) - TBA.
9 a.m. on Ch. 10 (OMNI) - Badminton.
EARLY FRIDAY
1 a.m. on Ch. 9 (CTV) - Athletics, Rowing, Trampoline, Cycling.
1: 35 a.m. on Ch. 18 (NBC) - Gymnastics, Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Rowing.
