ZAGREB 2006 - Voted as the No. 1 destination to visit in 2005 by Lonely Planet, Zagreb stages a men’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour event for the second-straight season.  Brazil’s Marcio Araujo and Fabio Magalhaes won their first of three SWATCH-FIVB World Tour gold medals in 2005 by defeating Markus Dieckmann and Jonas Reckermann of Germany in the finals.  Three weeks later in Berlin, Marcio Araujo and Fabio became the 2005 SWATCH-FIVB World Champions recovering from an opening match defeat to win their next nine matches to claim the title.  When the Croatian people achieved their independence in 1991, Zagreb became a capital - a political and administrative centre for the Republic of Croatia.  Located on the intersection of important routes between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe, Zagreb is the hub of the business, academic, cultural, artistic and sporting worlds in Croatia.  Many famed scientists, artists and athletes come from the city, or work in it.  Zagreb offers its visitors the Baroque atmosphere of the Upper Town, picturesque open-air markets, diverse shopping facili­ties, an abundant selection of crafts and a choice vernacular cuisine.  Zagreb is a city of green parks and walks, with many places to visit in the beautiful surroundings.  The city will enter into the third millennium with a population of one million.  In spite of the rapid development of the economy and transportation, it has retained its charm, and a relaxed feeling that makes it a perfect place to visit and discover.

Year - Zagreb Gold Medal / Zagreb Silver Medal / Zagreb Bronze Medal

2005 -  Marcio Araujo/Fabio Magalhaes, Brazil / Markus Dieckmann/Jonas Reckermann, Germany / Emanuel Rego/Ricardo Santos, Brazil

Lake Juron

Joe Basic (right), VIP Open promoter address media as Damir Radeljic (center) awaits microphone