Brasília, October 7, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - After an interval of eight years, Copacabana, beginning today, is once again the stage for the World Beach Volleyball Championship "Presented by Swatch." Forty-eight female doubles teams, representing 29 countries and divided into twelve groups of four, will appear on the courts to dispute a total of 36 matches.

The World Championship represents the final round in the World Circuit season, and it is the one that earns competitors the most points. The Brazilian duo, Ana Paula and Sandra, is close to winning the title, which went to Walsh and May, from the United States, in 2002. To obtain the title, all the Brazilian duo must do is to emerge victorious from the first round of the competition. (DAS)