AUSSIE BEACH VOLLEYBALLERS ADVANCE TO TOP 16

Volleyball, May 11, 2012: With London 2012 very much in their sights, Australia’s premier beach volleyballers Becchara Palmer and Louise Bawden and Natalie Cook and Tasmsin Hinchley have continued their march through to the top 16 at the prestigious Beijing Grand Slam on the Swatch World Tour 2012.

Twelfth seeds Palmer and Bawden accounted for London Test event winners, 15th seed Brazilians Liliane Maestrini and Angela Vieira in straight sets 21-18 and 21-12 to stamp their advancement.
 
While wily veterans, 20th seeds Cook and Hinchley ousted 27th seeded Austrians Barbara Hansel and Sara Monagnolli in a tough 65 minute three-setter 21-19; 27-29 and 15-10.
 
Both Australian pairs have their sights set on London 2012 qualification with vital points on offer as the best teams in world volleyball battle for rankings points up until June 30.
 
This morning’s round two draw at the imposing 2008 Olympic Stadium in the Chaoyang district sees Cook and Hinchley up against the celebrated Brazilians, third seeds Juliana Silva and Larissa Franca while Palmer and Bawden face off against eighth seeded Germans Sara Goller and Laura Ludwig.
 
Victory for the Australian girls will see them advance to the round three stage this afternoon with the semi-finals and finals set down for tomorrow.
 
Follow their progress on the FIVB results page CLICK HERE
 
Issued on behalf of Volleyball Australia by: