The O'Dea brothers might have come off the sand without a win last night, but they're still to play for bronze this afternoon in the beach volleyball, arguably the Commonwealth Games most fun event.
Ben and Sam O’Dea fell 19-21, 15-21 to Canadians Samuel Pedlow and Sam Schachter, having struggled to cope with their opponents' offensive potency.
As a result, Pedlow and Schachter will compete for gold against Australia, while the O'Deas will fight it out for a spot on the podium against Englishmen Jake Sheaf and Chris Gregory, who they beat in an earlier pool match.
“We came here to get a gold medal, but we’re going to have to settle for bronze now,” Sam told 1 NEWS after the match.
“The faster we can forget about the semi-final loss the sooner we get on to coming up with a good game plan to beat the Poms again.”
Last night's disappointing loss against Canada isn’t likely to dampen moods at the beach volleyball venue in Coolangatta, that’s quickly become a Game favourite.
Good vibes come first, competition second on the beach as fans dance, sing, and of course watch some volleyball.
Up in a lifeguard tower, there’s a DJ blasting tunes between every serve, oversized pink beach chairs lie in wait for the athletes, lifeguard dancers pump up the crowd and even the host where’s a Hawaiian shirt inspired suit.
Waves crash on to the beach out past the venue, which is arguably the best showing of what the Gold Coast has to give.
The Mount Maunganui brothers couldn’t agree more.
"So much fun, such an amazing atmosphere," said Ben.
"It's awesome seeing so many (flags) up in the stands," said Sam.
You can watch them play for bronze at 5.30pm NZT.
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