World champions Jennifer Ross and April Kessy-Boss

World champions Jennifer Ross and April Kessy-Boss will be back to defend their title in the Phuket Thailand Open, the last stop on the 2009 Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour, which will take place on Karon Beach, Phuket, from November 3 to 8.

The American pair, who are currently ranked No 3 in the world, struck gold at the World Championships held in Stavanger, Norway, in July. The champions are part of a record number of 96 teams from 35 countries entering the tournament, which is sponsored by the PTT. The line-up includes nine out of the world's top 10 teams including world No 1 pairing of Larissa and Juliana from Brazil, winners of eight world tour titles this year, and the world No 2 team of Talita and Antonelli also from Brazil.

A total of six teams from Thailand will be competing in the tournament with three teams playing directly in the main draw while the remaining in the qualifying rounds.

The Open, which is being staged for the fourth successive year, carries prize money of US$190,000 and is one of the biggest beach volleyball tournaments in Asia.

Matches will be played from 9am daily, admission is free for spectators who will also be able to enjoy games, activities and many bargains in the enlarged sponsor zone, which also includes a beer garden and food outlets.

 The Phuket Thailand Open is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, PTT Public Company Ltd, The Sports Authority of Thailand, Federbrau, The Swatch Group, Mikasa, Kata Group of Hotels, TOT Public Co., Ltd, Phuket Gazette, Sian Tai, FBT, 91.5 FM radio, Haad Thip, Woraburi Resort, Gems Gallery, Phuket-Bangkok Hospital and Jungceylon.

For further information on the tournament, please contact Pentangle Promotions Co., Ltd, Tel: 02-3113414 - 5, Fax: 02-3113498 or visit the website at www.pentanglepromotions.com