The first major tournament of the 2024 World Tour has been played. The international Victor Körbes Cup took place for the 27th time on 16 and 17 March in Novo Hamburgo (BRA).
With 43 teams from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Germany and Switzerland, a total of over 220 athletes took part in 8 categories. Despite recurring rain showers and sometimes poor pitch conditions, the spectators were treated to spectacular matches and fistball at the highest level.
Men’s competition
After the preliminary round matches on Saturday, the home team Ginastica Novo Hamburgo emerged as the favourites. In the semi-final against the argentinian team from Rosario, the young Brazilians lived up to their role as favourites and qualified for the final. The team from Club Merces (BRA) also secured a place in the final. They won the 2nd semi-final against Condor (BRA) with a 2:0. In a very evenly balanced match, the two brazilian teams fought a duel at eye level. In the end, however, Merces were defeated 3:1 and the victory of the first elite tournament and thus 1000 points for the World Tour went to Ginastica Novo Hamburgo. Rosario took bronze and Condor finished in fourth place.
Women’s competition
The women’s competition was just as exciting. The ladies from Sogipa Porto Alegre (BRA) emerged as the favourites. They qualified for the final without losing a set after beating the chilean team Llanquihue in the semi-finals. The second semi-final was won by Team Morgenau (BRA). A 2:0 victory against Duque secured them a place in the gold medal match. The women from Sogipa Porto Alegre finally won the tournament. The favourites from the preliminary round prevailed with a clear 3:0. The ladies from Club Duque were delighted with third place and the bronze medal, while the chilean team Llanquihue finished in fourth place.