FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open starts today Men's qualifiers begin 8 a.m. at The Sands SM By the Bay
THE Philippines takes centerstage as first-time FIVB Beach Volleyball
World Tour hosts unveil the men's division qualifiers at the Sands SM By The
Bay starting at 8 a.m today (May 3).
Sisi Rondina, the three-time UAAP champion who
played in last year's 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships
in Singapore, vows to make the country proud when the 16-team women's draw
blasts off tomorrow (May 4).
"It’s an overwhelming feeling. First, because we’re
hosting this world event. Second, because we are playing for the country.
Sobrang nakaka-proud," said Rondina, who will be paired with Dzi Gervacio
in the one-star tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic.
As the top Philippine duo wrap up their preparations
today, Rondina and Gervacio are more than ready to face a tough international
competition in the four-day event which has a $10,000 cash prize and ranking
points for other FIVB beach volley tourneys.
"We’re training very hard. Since the league is the
FIVB World Tour, we expect taller and really very strong competition. What
we’re focusing on is how we can strengthen our bonds and connect with each
other on court. So far, in training, we have developed good communication with
one another and have started to jell,” Rondina added.
The three other Filipina pairs competing are Charo Soriano
and Bea Tan, two-time Beach Volleyball Republic national champions Karen
Quilario and Lot Catubag, and wildcard entries DM Demontaño and Jackie
Estoquia.
BVR national champions Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte,
Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto, James Pecaña and KR Guzman, and Ranran Abdilla
and Edwin Tolentino comprise the Filipino casts in the men's division
Four slots in the main draw are at stake in the men's
division qualifiers today. The main draw for women and men is set tomorrow,
with the schedule to be released tonight.
The round-of-12 and quarterfinals are scheduled on
Saturday, with the semifinals and finals on Sunday.
The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd
and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.
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