Beach Shorts: The week in the sands of the world

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Brazilian defender Taiana Lima is looking for a new partner after she split with Carol Horta

Beach volleyball fans, we’re back! After a week of world-class sport at the A1 Major Vienna presented by Swatch, we now prepare to see the top of the top clash at the Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals presented by Vodafone in Hamburg next week.

As the season comes to an end, here is all you need to know before you pack for Hamburg:

World Tour season coming to an end

The 2017-2018 World Tour season will come to an end next week, with the World Tour Finals presented by Vodafone taking place in Hamburg, and the last tournaments before the season-ending event are taking place this week. In Moscow, 16 teams (eight in each gender) which were selected to play in the Finals compete in a four-star event. Another tournament, this a one-star, takes place in Europe as Vaduz, in Liechtenstein, which hosts a World Tour stop for the first time.

Dutchmen Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen are playing in Moscow this week

German Tour approaches finale

After an active summer, the German Beach Volleyball Tour is also nearing its end as the city of Zinnowitz hosts the eighth and second-to-last tournament of the season. Even though several European players are competing in Moscow this week, some familiar faces will be in action in the tournament such as Olympic champion Kira Walkenhorst, Olympian Jonathan Erdmann and up-and-comers Phillipp Bergmann and Yannick Harms.

Veteran Jonathan Erdmann is set to play in Zinnowitz this week

Taiana and Carol Horta split

The union of Brazilians Taiana Lima and Carol Horta didn’t last long after the pair joined forces following their unexpected success at the Fort Lauderdale Major. Carol is playing in Moscow this week with Ana Patrícia Ramos while Taiana is still looking for a new partner.

Brazilians Taiana and Carol Horta won silver in Fort Lauderdale

Social Media: Joana starts rehabilitation 

Swiss star Joana Heidrich underwent surgery to repair a slipped disc last month and even though she’s not expected to compete again in 2018, the 26-year-old blocker has already started her rehab process in Zurich. Get well soon, Joana!

My first two reha days are done💪🏻 it is tough but I can see small progress every day🙌🏻😀 * * Work hard for your dreams and come back stronger👣👊🏻🙏🏻🌠

1,412 Likes, 16 Comments - Joana Heidrich (@joanaheidrich) on Instagram: "My first two reha days are done💪🏻 it is tough but I can see small progress every day🙌🏻😀 * * Work..."

In case you missed it

Lineup set for the World Tour Finals

Vikings celebrate Vienna Major victory in style

Check out who were the players that dominated the stats in Vienna

See you next week in Hamburg!