Vitoria Open means make or break

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Vitoria Open is taking place in Brazil from 15-20 March and it’s a free for all. The event is responsible for bringing together: legends, runners-up and rookies all vying for a space atop the podium, a place among the champions and a team ticket to the Summer Olympics 2016.

Every tournament counts – the Summer Olympics 2016 are taking place later this year (August) in Rio at the picturesque Copacabana Beach – players are competing in every event (that counts toward qualification)in order to gain points, raise their Olympic ranking and hopefully secure a spot representing their country at the most prestigious sporting event.

The Vitoria Open is now a melting pot of champions and the who’s who in the world of beach volleyball are expected to grace the Center Court on Camburi Beach for some first-class beach volleyball.

Ladies, no fighting please

The Vitoria Open seems to be a little home of friendly continental rivalry between the Americans and the Brazilians (unlike the Rio Grand Slam where the German ladies seemed to dominate).

Brazilian Maceio Open winners: Duda/Eliza Maia are in the same Pool (Pool B) as recent Rio Grand Slam winners USA’s: Ross/Walsh. The Americans seem to be continuing their winning streak winning every pool game so far, including slaying Austrian wildcards: Schützenhöfer/Plesiutschnig in a 2-0 victory. The Americans have had an amazing comeback following Walsh’s injury last year and they will move on to challenge with Brazilian newcomers in a must-see pool match scheduled at 10:30 (GMT-3).

USA legendary team: Kessy/Day are also grouped with strong Brazilian team: Juliana/Lima and they are set to knock heads at 12:20 (GMT-3). Kessy/Day lost against Austrian powerhouse: Schwaiger S./Hansel  with a 2-1 win.

The male main draw paints a different picture.

Secret Signals at Gstaad Major 2015 Photo Credit: Joerg Mitter for Limex Images

Ricardo/Álvaro Filho are back together and are tthhrrassshhing. The pair certainly gelled perfectly after a two year hiatus, defeating opposing teams: Grimalt E./Grimalt M. (Chile) and Gibb/Patterson (USA) by an impressive 2-0 respectively . Their reunion comes after Ricardo’s former partner and beach volleyball legend, Emanuel Rego retired from his professional sporting career.

Polish Losiak/Kantor, recent winners of the Rio Grand Slam are also keeping up their momentum winning both of their pool matches so far. The Pole’s just need to beat Italy’s Ranghieri/Carambula which won’t be so easy as Ranghieri/Carambula are a very strong team and will not go down without a fight.

Anything could happen. Stay tuned at Swatch Major Series.