Japanese Beach Volleyball fans will be hoping for more of the same this year in terms of excitement when they head for the Osaka sand to witness the 2004 Swatch-FIVB World Tour.

It was the Brazilian team of Ana Paula and Sandra Pires who wowed the locals here last year when they stormed to victory over compatriots Adrian Brandao Beher and Shelda Kelly Bruno, who were looking for a seventh consecutive title, in the Swatch-FIVB World Tour final.

The most talented ladies in Beach Volleyball will be present in Osaka for the Japanese Open between June 2-6, when they will be battling to get their hands on some of the $180,000 prize money on offer.

This will be the 11th time that Osaka will have staged the event and the “City of Water” has clearly become synonymous with Beach Volleyball.

Osaka has been described by many as an attractive, user friendly city and several new museums and other attractions have been added in recent times, all of which have helped to add to the overall cultural feel of the place. The ongoing effort to enhance the city’s culture has also seen the promotion of artistic, academic and sporting ventures.
Huge improvements have been made to Osaka’s once sewage-filled rivers. Now, leafy promenades abound beside fresh water and many people enjoy strolling along the riverbanks and relaxing in scenic spledour. Furthermore, each summer one can enjoy the amazement of what is known as the ‘Tenjin Matsuri’, a spectacular sailing festival containing decorated ships.
When the sand has settled and another Swatch – FIVB World Tour event has drawn to a close in Osaka, it’s on to Europe for the Swiss Open in Gstaad.


Women's Podium 2003


First Place: Ana Paula-Sandra Pires (BRA) 

Second place:   Adriana Brandao Behar and Shelda Kelly Bruno (BRA)       

Third place: Nicole Sanderson and Natalie Cook (AUS)


 

 Women's Podium 2002
1. Adriana Behar-Shelda (BRA)
    Interview with Shelda Bruno Bede - Profile
    Interview with Adriana Behar - Biography
2. Ana Paula-Minello BRA
    Ana Paula Connelly Biography
    Tatiana Minello Biography
3. Walsh-May (USA)
    Interview with Kerri Walsh and Misty May
    Misty May - Biography
    Kerri Walsh - Biography