Phuket will once again become the host for Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour. The even will takes place at Karon Beach from November 2 to 7.

Last year tournament of Beach Volley World Tour was participated by larger teams than the previous event ever held. This year, a record number of teams are expected, as it will be a chance to warm up for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, November 12 to 27. The tournament, with US$190,000 in prize money, starts with “country quota” play-offs among teams from countries with more than four teams entered in the tournament.

Qualification round is held on November 3rd and the main draw runs from November 7th. Together with the main event, different activities are planned to be held including the amateur tournament among hotel workers, beach volleyball clinics for kids, a variety of on-site entertainment and a beer festival.

This year’s event should also be a boon for tourism, as hundreds of players from around the world are expected to fly in to take part in the Beach Volleyball ‘Around the World’ (BVAW) event that will run concurrently.

Geoffrey Rowe, managing director of event organizers Pentangle Promotions, said eight of the world’s top-ten FIVB-ranked teams had already entered.

This included the current Olympic champions and 2009 World Champions April Ross and Jen Kessy of the United States, who will be gunning for their third successive win in Phuket.

News by Phuket Gazette