US pair advances to volleyball qualification round
The FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour Bangsaen Thailand Open powered by PTT kicked off yesterday at Laemtaen here, with the pair of Heather Hughes and Summer Ross advancing to today's qualification round following their victory in the country quota
The US fielded six teams at the six-day top-flight competition, with two teams already in the main draw. The remaining four teams will vie for the only slot in today’s qualification round.
In yesterday’s country quota play-offs, Jennifer Fopma/Brooke Sweat thrashed Jenny Kropp/Whitney Pavlik in straight sets 21-17 21-17, while Heather Hughes/Summer Ross brushed off Sara Hughes/Kaitlin Sather 21-16 21-18.
The final play-off saw Hughes and Ross struggle hard to beat Fopma and Sweat in the hard-fought first set 22-20 before finding their touch to win a more comfortable second set 21-15 to secure a place in the qualification round.
The draw for the qualification was to take place later last night at The Tide Resort, with all qualification tournament teams expected to take part.
Among those who will test their mettle in the today’s qualification round, which starts at 9pm, will be two Thai pairings – Supattra Juajan/Prateep Kambut and Jiraporn Kaewjanta/Saowaros Tangkaeo.
The Bangsaen Thailand Open, sponsored by PTT, being held at Laemtaen, Bangsaen Beach ends on Sunday.
There has been plenty of interest from local sports fans who will have the opportunity to watch free of charge more than 50 of the world’s top women’s beach volleyball teams vying for the gold medal and share the US$190,000 prize money.
The tournament is the last stop on the 2012 FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour and has attracted the best teams from over 20 countries around the globe, some of whom are travelling from as far as Brazil, Colombia, Canada, the US and Vanuatu to battle it out for the crown.
While the professional teams will be the centre of attention, there is a supporting event – the PTT Schools Cup – which features a total of eight school teams from Chon Buri competing for top honours and a place on the podium alongside the professional teams.
Entertainment off-court for spectators is provided in the sponsor zone, where numerous booths, including a beer garden, will be selling goods at special prices and also organising games and activities for fans.
