Photo via FIVB
Photo via FIVB

In a “second chance” match, Saxton and Schalk beat Poland, advance to playoffs

Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk took their second chance to advance to the Rio 2016 beach volleyball playoffs.

After finishing third in Pool D, the Canadian team defeated Mariusz Prudel and Grzegorz Fijalek from Poland 2-0 (21-19, 21-18) in the lucky loser match for an entry to the knockout rounds.

Ben Saxton attacks Poland in the lucky loser match at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Ben Saxton attacks Poland in the lucky loser match at the Rio 2016 beach volleyball tournament, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

With the win, Saxton/Schalk will join both Canada’s women’s duos of Sarah Pavan/Heather Bansley and Jamie Broder/Kristina Valjas in continuing on Copacabana beach.

In the round of 16 phase, Saxton/Schalk will face Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen from Netherlands on Saturday at 6 p.m. (ET).