Philippines pairs in international beach volley tilt

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ finest beach volley pairs will have their hands full against foreign competitors when the Spike for Peach tournament fires off today at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

For a change, this beach volley event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and sanctioned by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. will be held under a roof.

“It’s perhaps the first indoor beach volley tournament. It’s quite unique because the sun and wind factor won’t come into play,” said PSC chief Richie Garcia.

“But I’m sure the thrill and excitement of beach volley will remain. We’re holding this event to help promote the sport and widen its base in the country,” he said yesterday.

Garcia said doors are open free to the public today and tomorrow. The event, which offers $8,000 to the winning pair, will run until Thursday.

Players from 14 teams, including those from Brazil, New Zealand and the United States, were welcomed yesterday in a press conference at the Ace Waterspa Hotel in Pasig.

Alexa Micek and Charo Soriano, a pair of tanned beauties, will make up Phl Team A while Danika Gendrauli and Jane Diaz will comprise Phl Team B.

“Beach volleyball is still new in the Philippines and we are a young team. But we’ll do our best. It’s a big boost for us to play against these awesome teams,” said Micek.

Gendrauli and Diaz are the reigning Philippine Super Liga beach volley champions.

Phl Team A is in Pool D with New Zealand and Thailand while Phl Team B plays Pool C with Sweden, Japan and Brazil. Spain, Australia B and the Netherlands make up Pool A, while Indonesia, Australian A and the United States comprise Pool B.