Brazil's Juliana and Larissa, who won last year's Brasilia Open, will be hoping for further success on the FIVB Swatch World Tour in 2011
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Brasilia, Brazil, April 13, 2011 – Brazil's beach volleyball stars have been discussing their aims for the upcoming season as the Brasilia Open, the first event on the FIVB Swatch World Tour 2011, looms into view.
The opening tournament runs from April 17-23 and is the first of 15 women's stops and 14 men's stops on the tour. Talk has naturally focused on qualification for the London 2012 Olympic Games, but all athletes know they need to perform on the world circuit first.
"In the last Olympics we were very anxious," 2010 World Tour champion Juliana Felisberta said. "Now we have so many expectations, but we are more calm, and know how to manage the pressure better. We're also four years older and more experienced. It makes a difference."
Juliana's partner, Larissa Franca, refused to look too far ahead as she said: "We have to first concentrate on gaining qualification and the FIVB Swatch World Championship. One of the priorities of the year is the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, where we also represent Brazil."
The titleholders' rivals include their compatriots Maria Clara and Carol Salgado, who are eager to build on their World Tour experience gained in 2010. Maria Clara, the elder of the sisters, said: "Last year, we focused more on the World Tour and ended up playing many games in a row, which was great to gain more maturity."
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