World-class beach volleyball returns to London with Queen & King of the Court

Wheelbarrows filled with sand are currently being brought into the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, where the Queen & King of the Court Crown Series will take place on 28 and 29 November. After last year’s showcase event, this marks the first time since the 2012 Olympic Games that international beach volleyball returns to London.

 It will be a meaningful homecoming for presenter and friend of the show Julius Brink. The last time he competed on this sand in London, he became an Olympic champion. Back then, English twins Javier and Joaquin Bello sat in the stands watching beach volleyball history being made. This time, the roles are reversed: Julius will be on the sidelines, watching the brothers take their own shot at glory.

The Bello brothers write their own chapter of history
The Bello brothers, who recently made history as the first English beach volleyball team ever to compete at a World Championship, now get the chance to showcase their talent in front of a home crowd as they face the international elite. Joaquin Bello already knows what it feels like to be crowned in the Crown Series; last year, he claimed the Hamburg title alongside Spaniard Alejandro Huerta.

 This time, however, all eyes will not only be on the home favourites. The French duo Calvin Aye and Teo Rotar are a team to watch closely. Both players, albeit with different partners, have enjoyed an exceptional season, earning multiple podium finishes on the Elite16 tour. And just last week in Adelaide, Rotar made history by becoming the first Frenchman ever to win a medal at the World Championships.

 World-class talent on the women’s side
The women’s field also features a wealth of players fresh from last week’s World Championships and already proven at the highest level. Among them is Australian Olympic medallist Taliqua Clancy, who is now passing on her experience to her talented young teammate Stefanie Fejes. Dutch star Katja Stam returns to international form after a long battle with injuries, while home favourites Keetie Kefie and Kirsten Star are eager to make their mark in front of a London crowd.

With so much international quality on display, there’s every reason for English and global beach volleyball fans to make their way to Crystal Palace. The action kicks off on Friday afternoon with the qualifications, followed by the main draw in the evening (all times UK time, GMT). Tickets are still available at kingofthecourt.com, and for those who can’t make it in person, all matches can be watched for free online at watch.kingofthecourt.com.