MANILA, Philippines — Local fans get the rare chance to watch world-class beach volley action when the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open fires off tomorrow at the Sands SM by the Bay at the MOA grounds.
A slew of top-notch international players, led by Paraguay’s Michelle Amarilla, will be strutting their wares in search of tournament points in the event the country is hosting for the first time.
Amarilla, who with Gabriela Filippo slugged it out with the legendary US pair of April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings in the first knockout round of the 2015 Beach Volleyball World Championships, will banner the 16-pair women’s cast.
The highest rated team in the field, Amarilla will have Erika Bobadilla as partner. The Paraguayans hope to bounce back from their failed bid in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Malaysia Open semifinals last Sunday.
Ayumi Kusano, who played for Japan that won the Spike for Peace beach volleyball crown in 2015 at the Philsports Arena with Akiko Hasegawa, will return for another shot at the championship, this time with partner Takemi Nishibori.
The Philippines will be fielding in four women’s pairs in the main draw, with high-flying UST standout Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio leading the charge.