Zurich, Switzerland, April 12, 2011 – Swiss veteran Martin Laciga has praised  new partner Jonas Weingart for giving him a new lease of life as the duo prepare for the Brasilia Open, the first event on the FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour 2011.

Speaking to Switzerland's Coop Zeitung magazine, the 36-year-old Laciga said he was relishing the chance to take to the sand with Weingart, who is 11 years his junior. "For me, a young partner is refreshing," Laciga said. "At his age we are able to train with more intensity. The challenge is to have the right period of recovery, which is more important now."

The pair are yet to compete in a World Tour event together, but Laciga is confident that they can make a mark on this year's Tour. "Jonas is at an age where he can progress very quickly," he added. "When I see how that has happened so far in training I have absolutely no doubt that it will work for us."