Beach Volleyball  

More than 50 of Europe's top beach volleyball teams, including players from the Beijing Olympics, treated the crowds to a thrilling series of matches during the four day event

Watch QuickTime movie clip English Masters 2008 »

Said presenter Simon Golding: "Bearing in mind the British audience had never experienced this before, their reaction was amazing. They joined in and played their part from the very first serve making my job very easy!

Added tournament director, Jeff Brehaut: "Response of everyone from players and officials to the Blackpool audience has been overwhelming. I have officiated at beach volleyball tournaments around the world from World Tour to the Olympics and I am proud to say that Blackpool's English Masters is being rated amongst the very best."

'Everyone I have spoken to has told me how brilliant the event was. Congratulations to all of you for your outstanding efforts, skill and professionalism in creating such a great success.'

'Just wanted to drop you a brief note to say how much I enjoyed and to be honest was blown away somewhat at the event last week - it was a really great, and hopefully part of the future template for Blackpool.'

'I just wanted to write to thank you and your team for all their hard work in putting on the beach volleyball.  It was so professionally run and the crowds really got into the spirit of things, as did the players.  It was great to see so many visitors enjoying themselves inside the arena but also on the beach. When we left we also saw children playing volleyball on the beach...'

The finals were played in front of live international TV, with Dutch men's pair Nummerdor/Schuil taking just 38 minutes to beat Switzerland's Heuscher/Heyer in two sets, 15:21 - 18:21.

A thrilling women's final saw Arvanity/Karadassiou from Greece take over an hour and three sets to beat Finnish twins Erica and Emilia Nyström 21:13 - 18:21 - 15:11.

Sustainability and community involvement are key elements in Blackpool's plans for beach sports and form an integral part of the BVUK tournament package.

More than 100 youngsters from local schools and colleges acted as linesmen and women, rakers and ball kids, drawing considerable praise from match officials, at least one international referee commenting that they performed like seasoned professionals.

The week before, more than 600 local school children took part in 'Volley on the Prom', four days of coaching and matches on the sand.

Watch out for the 2009 English Masters at Blackpool - even bigger, better and huge fun!