2016-04-20 17:49:00 CEST
Blink and you’ll miss it! Pools drawn for women at Fuzhou Open
Hands up if you want another gold! Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas are gunning for another victory at the Fuzhou Open this week. Photo credit: Tomislav Moze/Red Bull Content Pool.
The action really packs a punch this week at the Fuzhou Open as the women begin their battle in the pool stages on Thursday.
Last year’s gold medalists Jamie Broder and Kristina Valjas (CAN) kick-off the defense of their title as sixth seeds in Pool F against teams from Germany, Venezuela and the United States.
Local hopes will be pinned squarely at the feet Xue/Chen as the Chinese duo aim to secure a smooth passage to the second knockout phase from Pool H.
There’s a captivating pair-up in Pool A as 2014 winners April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings take on last year’s runners-up Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude (SUI).
Xiamen Open winners last week Isabelle Forrer and Anouk Vergé-Depré (SUI) have been drawn in Pool D, while the team they beat to gold, Austrians Stefanie Schwaiger and Barbara Hansel, qualified to make it through to Pool E where they will meet Italians Menegatti/Orsi Toth.
There was a major surprise in the final qualification stage with German pair Bieneck/Groβner beaten by Swiss team Eiholzer/Gerson. The qualifiers will take on opposition which includes second seeds from Germany Karla Borger and Britta Büthe in Pool B.
As ever stay tuned for all the latest updates from China and don’t forget to check out a fantastic, funny and informative social media channels for all things cool in the world of beach volleyball!