Grim final outcome for the Grimalts

The Grimalt cousins were left feeling grim after squandering four championship points in the second date of the South American circuit.

Viña del Mar – Marco and Esteban Grimalt lost the first set 21-17 to the Argentinian duo of Ian Mehamed and Julián Azaad, but they recovered to win the second 21-16.

The Chilean number ones started the decisive short set in superb form and looked certain to win when they established a 14-10 lead. However, they suffered an attack of the jitters and let the four championship points slip away. Eventually the Argentinians took the set 18-16 to leave the home fans disappointed.

The Grimalts had expressed their desire before the tournament started to win their first South American competition on home soil since 2010. Having come so close, you could understand their frustration.

“We are very upset,” said Esteban Grimalt. “We had lots of opportunities to close out the match, but I think anxiety got to us. We didn´t have the calmness necessary.

“It´s a shame for the people that came to support us and filled the arena.”

When the dust settles, the Grimalts can reflect on an excellent tournament, which included beating the Brazilians Gustavo and Allyson in the semi-finals. It should give them confidence ahead of the South American Games in Santiago next month.

Brazil earned third place by beating Uruguay 2-0.

In the women´s competition, Argentina beat Brazil 2-1 in the final and Venezuela claimed third place by beating Uruguay 2-0.