US reach semi finals

Brazilian-born Gomes and Terceiro, known under their given Georgian names of "Geor" and "Gia", took an early lead in the first set against the experienced American team but the US were soon in charge at 11-2.

A Dalhausser spike brought up set point which was blocked by Terceiro but Dalhausser made the most of his second opportunity to secure the opener with a well-placed hit.

The Americans, who lost their opening match in the tournament against Latvia, were quickly in charge in the second set and they confirmed their place in Friday's final when the impressive Dalhausser blocked a Gomes hit.

"This was the first match I have ever played where I was truly nervous because if we had lost I would have been devastated," said Dalhausser.

"It's a weight off our shoulders. I was doing everything not to think about the match, I was going online, watching TV, going to the supermarket."

The Georgian duo were stunned by their loss.

"It sucks," said Terceiro. "Renato struggled with Dalhasusser's block and that made him change his strategy and make a lot of mistakes. It was a bad performance."

In the final, the Americans will face Fabio Luis Magalhaes and Marcio Araujo who beat fellow Brazilians Ricardo Santos and Emanuel Rego, the defending champions, 22-20, 21-18.

The second semi-final ended on a note of controversy when a cross cut shot was judged out but Santos argued that the ball had come off his opponent on the way out of the court.

His protests were overturned and his compatriots celebrated a famous win.

"Today we made mistakes that we haven't made before," admitted Santos.

"But we will have the will to win our next match and win the bronze."