Maoming is situated at the South China Sea in the Province of Guangdong and lies on the transition belt from the tropics to the subtropics. The annual average temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius with up to 2,160 hours of sunshine per year. Maoming is also known as the biggest production base of fruit in China, especially for the famous litchis and bananas. Population wise Maoming is a "small" Chinese city with some 6,5 millions inhabitants.

As the country is preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the interest in the sport is very big and last year the stadium was packed from the first day. "There is a Chinese saying: A boat sailing against the current, either forges ahead or keeps falling behind. For us here in Maoming, the FIVB event is certainly a very positive effect on the rise of Beach Volleyball in our country," said Lin Xiong, Mayor of Maoming Municipal Government.

Brazilians Adriana Behar and Shelda Bruno Bede arriving on the 40 km beach of Maoming as winners of last week's Japan Open, will not only try to win their second gold this year, but also to repeat their win of last year. The current leaders of the World Ranking, US women Kerri Walsh and Misty May, are certainly hungry for their fifth gold this season, as well as Australians Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst, still looking for their first one. In addition, Brazilians Ana Paula and Tatiana Minello - last week's silver medallists, and Americans Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs, rejoining the tour after a national US tournament, will put in a word for the title.

A total of seven Chinese teams will enter the competition, with the hopes pinned on the young stars Jia Tian and Fei Wang, currently ranked number ten in the world.

Hot temperatures and hot matches are therefore guaranteed for this week!

Contact FIVB Press Delegate Michaela Binder onsite:
e-mail: michaela_binder@gmx.at
Press Center in China:
Phone and Fax: +86 668 268 5672

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~ FIVB Online Info