We remember the fun we had last year…

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A packed Center Court watch the men’s Poreč Major final last year. Photocredit: Joerg Mitter.

The first ever Major Series tournament…a packed stadium, full of beautiful people going crazy in the crowd, sun-drenched days with temperatures in the mid-30s and beach volleyball stars flying around the sand digging and diving…

Ahhhh…when will those days return, we hear you shout.

The answer: on Tuesday!

Yes, the Poreč Major is back for the second year running and we can’t wait.

Last season’s incredible first Major Series tour stop at this stunning location was a massive hit – so much so the players competing hailed it as one of the greatest ever (behind Klagenfurt of course!)

And so to the action on court.

In blistering heat, the Brazilian women felt right at home and served up a sensational samba display right the way through the week, and it was no surprise to see Larissa and Talita in the final.

Against Canadians Heather Bansley and Sarah Pavan, it was one-way traffic in the first set, as the Brazilians raced into a 21-16 lead. The second set was a classic…the lead swung one way and the next before Pavan and Bansley got over the line to make it 1-1, winning 27-25. In the decider it was just as tight but the Larissa and Talita got the job done, pulling through to take gold 15-12.

In the bronze medal match Australians Taliqua Clancy and Louise Bawden had no such trouble as they crushed Canadians Jamie Lynn Broder and Kristina Valjas in straight sets in just 36 minutes.

Canadian teams obviously liked the Croatian air as in the men’s tournament Chaim Schalk and Ben Saxton reached the quarterfinals but Josh Binstock and Sam Schachter made it all the way to the final.

Their opponents in the men’s showpiece were Dutch duo Alex Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen but there was to be no gold once more for Canada but the consolation of a second silver as Brouwer and Meeuwsen dominated, winning gold for the Netherlands in straight sets 21-15, 21-13.

Brouwer and Meeuwsen topped the podium and they almost had Dutch company alongside them with Christiaan Varenhorst and Reinder Nummerdor. However, Italians Adrian Carambula and Alex Ranghieri had other ideas – and won another hour-long special 2-1 to claim bronze.

The men’s tournament was fiercely competitive, with five of the six quarterfinal and semifinal matches going to deciding sets. More of the same this year please gentleman!

So that was the story of last year’s Poreč Major…and we’re looking forward to the next chapter which kicks off on Tuesday!

Remember you can follow every spike and success, dig and disappointment via our social media channels so get following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!