The Tour kicks off today (2nd January 2008) with the opening event in Matarangi.

The Volleyball NZ Website has an article listing the strong pairings they believe will be hard to beat in both the mens and womens events. Brazilians Camilla Saldanha & Lili Maestrini look to be the team to beat in the womens matches, with Anna Scarlett & Susan Blundell as the top New Zealand pair.

The action starts today with the initial rounds. The semi-finals for the tournament start at 10am on Thursday, 3 January, with the woman’s final scheduled to start at 2pm, and the men’s final at 3pm.

Let's hope Anna and Jess's names are on everybody's lips by the end of the event!

The NZ Pro Beach Volleyball Tour slams into action early in 2008 on some of New Zealand’s hottest beaches.

New Zealand’s best and brightest rising starts will feature in the Pro Tour. Top international players will also be appearing ensuring tight scoring and dramatic action.

Beach volleyball has been played in New Zealand for a little over a decade at the professional level and the Pro Tour has seen beach volleyball become firmly established on the summer sporting calendar. A true spectator sport, with spectators and media right up close to the action, provides for a lively, unforgettable outing. There are lots of photos on the Volleyball NZ website showing how close the crowd is to the action.