The reigning world and Olympic champions delighted a packed crowd at the Rothenbaum Stadium to recover from losing the second set against Brazilian opponents Agatha Bednarczuk and Eduarda ‘Duda’ Santos Lisboa.

They won the first set 21-17 before the Brazilians fought back superbly to edge the second 21-19.

As the crowd roared, though, it was Ludwig and Walkenhorst who managed to raise their level once against to take the decider 15-10.

"I'm speechless," said a triumphant Ludwig. 

"Playing out there and winning in front of the German fans was just awesome.

"Germany loves beach volleyball and we could feel it on the court."

At 19, Lisboa did become the youngest player to win a medal at the World Tour Finals.

It came in her first season playing alongside Olympic silver medallist Bednarczuk.

Brazil also won the bronze medal match as Larissa Maestrini and Talita Antunes overcame Canadians Melissa Humana-Paredes and Sarah Pavan 21-15, 22-20.

It marked a repeat of both the line-up and result from the third placed match at this month's World Championships in Vienna.

Semi-finals and medal matches in the men's competition are due to take place tomorrow.