Angolan duo edge closer to Olympic spot

(BEIJING, July 17) -- The Angolan duo of Emanuel Fernandes and Morais Abreu have entered the main draw for the men's competition of the beach volleyball open in Marseille after defeating teams from the UAE and Andorra on July 16.

Fernandes and Morais followed up their 21-8, 21-13 victory over the UAE duo with a 23-21, 21-16 victory over the team from Andorra. The victories place Fernandes and Morais in the main draw of the open, thus giving them another opportunity to earn more points and gain an Olympic spot.

According to Olympic regulations, at least one team from each continent must qualify for the Olympic beach volleyball competition. The South African duo of Casey Augoustides and Patrik Flisberg are currently the highest-ranked African pairing, but the Marseille victories have put Fernandes-Moraise within reach of an Olympic spot.

Fernandes and Morais are both 40 years old. The Africans have been playing on the world tour since August 2007. The beach volleyball open in Marseille is the final qualifying tournament for Beijing 2008.