Vienna victory puts Anders and Christian top of the world rankings

• Facebook
• Twitter

Anders and Christians all smiles after their win in the final

Anders Mol and Christian Sørum had double reason to celebrate their superb A1 Major Vienna presented by Swatch gold – the gold medal lifted the Vikings to the top of the world rankings.

Their sensational victory on the Red Bull Beach Arena, coupled with the fourth place of Dutchmen Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen, meant the 21 and 22-year-olds reached the beach summit for the first time in their fledging careers.

“It’s a dream,” said Christian, clutching his gold medal. “For me as a child I grew up watching the World Championships and wanting to be the best in the world. Now I can call myself the best in the world and that’s unreal. I don’t know what else to say, it’s an honor and it’s recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in.”

A month ago, the duo rose on Vienna’s Riesenrad but have since tasted victory in three successive events with Major event triumphs in Gstaad and Vienna firmly putting the Scandinavia on the beach volleyball map.

“We knew we had to play well in Vienna after being in that picture,” said Anders. “But to win the last three tournaments, and to be realizing this so early in our careers, it’s just the beginning.”

The final word, as ever, went to the Anders who paid tribute to the family, friends and fans who backed the duo all over the world.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” said the blocker. “To have them here with us makes it even more special. We’re thankful and grateful and they also put in a lot of hard work to make things like this happen.”

To relive Anders and Christian’s epic victory, log on to BeachStream and watch the whole game again on demand.