Lausanne, Switzerland, December 12, 2019 - Based on voting by players and coaches, the FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards recognise the outstanding performers of the year. We now turn to the Best Male Defender of 2018/2019.
Best Male Defender - Christian Sorum (NOR)
Christian Sorum has been one half of a pairing that has dominated the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour for a second season in a row. In 2018-19 he and Anders Mol won eight gold medals to put themselves top of the FIVB World Rankings.
At their best the Norwegians proved unstoppable. Sorum’s agility and speed at the back of the court meant that the few balls that did make it past Mol were swept up and defended by Sorum and turned around quickly so that the duo could go on the attack.
With Sorum and Mol on course for a debut Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020, the 24-year-old’s form will be crucial to their hopes of becoming the first Norwegian team to win a beach volleyball Olympic medal. The London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games were won by teams that had a defensive player who was one move ahead of the opposition. In London it was Germany’s Julius Brink, while in Rio it was Brazil’s Bruno Schmidt who unleashed the power of the attacking player. If Sorum hits those heights, then there is a very good chance that their Olympic dreams will come true.
Keep an eye on FIVB.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we unveil this year's award winners.
Read more:
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Most Outstanding Women's TeamFIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Best Male Blocker
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Best Female Blocker
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Best Male Offensive Player
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Best Female Offensive Player
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Most Outstanding Male Player
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Most Improved Men's Team
FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards 2018/2019 - Most Improved Women's Team
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