Yan Xu (left) and Xia Xinyi show off their medals. [Photo/China Volleyball Association]

Nantong's national player Yan Xu, alongside her teammate Xia Xinyi, clinched the championship at the FIVB Beach Pro Tour Challenge event in Mexico on March 30 (Beijing Time).

At the Nayarit stop, Yan and Xia advanced to the finals after overcoming several formidable domestic and international pairs. In the final match against the Brazilian duo, they claimed the first set 21-18. Although their opponents equalized in the second set, they mounted a resilient comeback in the decisive set, ultimately securing victory 17-15. This triumph marks their first international tournament championship as a pair.

This victory is particularly significant as it represents the first gold medal won by a Nantong athlete in major domestic and international competitions since Chinese New Year this year. Over the next month, Nantong athletes are set to continue their pursuit of gold in events such as the 2025-26 season of the National Women's Volleyball Super League, the Badminton Asia Championships and the Thomas Cup (World Men's Team Championships).

Born in 2004, Yan Xu is a rising star in Chinese beach volleyball, having achieved outstanding results in the National Games and various international and continental competitions. She is currently preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the United States.