The 2024 GJ Gardner Homes NZ Beach Tour presented by Tip Top wrapped up in thrilling fashion on Sunday in Mount Maunganui.

Kiwi stars Alice Zeimann and Shaunna Polley took out the final stop of the tour, completing their grand slam by winning all four tour stops.

Alice and Shaunna were challenged by the visiting USA team Alaina Chacon and Mariah Whalen, whom they would match up with in the final.

On Saturday in an earlier round, Alaina and Mariah were able to take the first set pushing the match to three sets before eventually falling to the Kiwis 2-1 (17-21, 21-16, 15-9). 

When they saw each other again in the final, the Kiwis Alice and Shaunna were able to end the game in two close sets 2-0 (21-18, 21-19).

Alice and Shaunna say they are excited to have had the opportunity to compete against international talent in the USA team, which will help them prepare for what's next including the Olympic Qualifiers.

The bronze medal went to the USA team of Peri Green and Victoria Corcoran who overcame Kiwis Meile Rose Green and Katie Sadlier 2-0(21-18, 21-14)

Men’s Premier gold winners - Jack McManaway and Thomas Reid. Photo: https://phototek.co.nz

Fellow Kiwis Jack McManaway and Thomas Reid took home the Men's division gold medals.

To get to the final Jack and Thomas had to beat the visiting USA pair, Phil Dalhausser, a former Olympic Gold Medallist, World Champion and four-time Olympian alongside teammate Olympian Taylor Crabb. They did just that, forcing three sets after dropping the first, eventually winning 2-1(15-21, 21-18, 15-11).

After the Semifinal, Thomas described it as a "Surreal moment" and an "unbelievable fight".

"To be on the court with him (Phil Dalhausser) you want to take in the moment, but you also want to play some good ball," says Jack.

"When we took the second set to take it to three, we went, it's about us right now. So let's do it for the home fans and get the job done."

Men's Tour Champions - Brad Fuller & Alani Nicklin. Photo: https://phototek.co.nz.

In the final, the Kiwis overcame Canadian pair Jake MacNeil and Alexander William Russell 2-0(22-20, 21-19)

The bronze medal went to Brad Fuller and Alani Nicklin who defeated Phil Dalhausser and Taylor Crabb 2-0(22-20, 21-12).

After a consistently good tour, Brad and Alani were crowned Tour Champions of the Men's division.

Beach Volleyball on Mount Maunganui Main Beach on February 18, 2024. Photo: Phototek.

Results

GJ Gardner Homes NZ Beach Tour presented by Tip Top, Sunday February 18, Mount Maunganui Main Beach:

Women’s Premier - (Full Draw and Results)

1st / Gold - Alice Zeimann & Shaunna Polley

2nd / Silver - Alaina Chacon & Mariah Whalen

3rd / Bronze - Peri Green & Victoria Corcoran

Men’s Premier - (Full Draw and Results)

1st / Gold - Jack McManaway & Thomas Reid

2nd / Silver - Jake MacNeil & Alexander William Russell

3rd / Bronze - Brad Fuller & Alani Nicklin

Tour Champions

Women's - Alice Zeimann & Shaunna Polley

Men's - Brad Fuller & Alani Nicklin

You can follow the GJ Gardner Homes NZ Beach Tour presented by Tip Top on Facebook and on Instagram

Dates Coming Up

March 7-10 Beach Pro Tour Futures