Fiji beach squad to tour French Open September 13, 2008
An invitation by the French Territory will see Fiji tour New Caledonia for the Open Beach Volleyball tournament in December.
The Fijian side made up of elite players will feature in the qualifying event along with Vanuatu, Tahiti, Futuna and South Africa in the pool games which will be played on December 2-3.
The top four teams from the pool game will qualify to feature in the main draw with top brass USA, Brazil, Japan, France and Australia on December 4-6.
Fiji Beach Volleyball Commission PRO Alita Loki said that the invitational tour came to light in March by New Caledonia coach Katrawa Francois who met Fijian player Mereula Meya while participating in the Queensland Grand Slam early this year.
“This tour has come to an opportune time for our players to upgrade their skills while playing against the world best beach volleyball players,” Loki said.
“These will be the third participation in the French Colony Open tournament, such invitations enhances the player’s morale that they too could be the best player by adapting to the professional style of playing.”
The last time Fiji competed in an open tournament in Tahiti in 2002 a team which had the likes of Waisale Suka, Apenisa Saukuru, Mereula Meya and Loma Wavu.
They were up against the World’s best beach volleyball players like Australia’s 2000 Olympic gold medalist Natalie Cook and Nicole Sander, USA’s number one Dain Balton and Steve Anderson.