Brazil loses to U.S. team in beach volleyball challenge

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian team lost to the Americans Sunday in a beach volleyball challenge in Sao Paulo.

On the second day of the four-on-four challenge, the national team first choice male and female players went down 2-1 (21-15, 16-21, 18-16) to the U.S. mixed team.

On Saturday, the American men's team of Todd Rogers, Phill Dalhausser beat the Brazilian duo of Ricardo and Emanuel 2-1. The American women's team of Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs beat the host players Renata and Talita.

The Americans beat the Brazilians on aggregate 3-0, giving the home crowd little to cheer about.

This weekend's challenge marked Talita and Renata's last game together as teammates as Renata will form a new partnership with Val while Talita will join Maria Elisa.

The two new teams will face each other in the upcoming Queen of the Beach tournament during January 31- February 1.

The following week, Emanuel and Ricardo will compete in the men's tournament of the King of the Beach.