Weymouth Grand Slam Returns This Weekend!

It’s time. The Weymouth Beach Classic is back for its 42nd year, and this weekend promises to be one of the highlights of the UKBT calendar.

As one of only two Grand Slams this season, the event draws in nearly all of the countries top players, and it’s shaping up to be a stacked weekend of world-class beach volleyball. With lead sponsors We Are Weymouth and Ultra Maritime, and hosted at the Pavilion end of the beach, the stage is set for an epic few days of action. The event is run by UKBT and proudly supported by Weymouth Volleyball Club.

Taking place at the Pavilion end of the beach, the event will feature a Centre Court with free seating for 150 spectators in a new covered grandstand. The Bacaro bar will be located at one end of Centre Court, with commentary and music throughout the weekend to entertain the crowd.

The tournament begins on Thursday evening with the traditional Charity Event, where 24 local businesses will compete for the title. This year, the Charity Event is being organised by Weymouth Round Table.

Friday afternoon sees the qualifying event, where teams will compete for the final two spots in Saturday’s main draw. Local players Liam Tewkesbury and James Bibby will represent Weymouth in the men’s competition, while Charlie Chambers and Immy Hollands will compete in the women’s draw.

Main draw matches begin at 9am on Saturday, with group stage play in both the men’s and women’s competitions running through until around 7pm.

On Sunday, the action continues with the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and culminating in the women’s final at 3pm, with the men’s final immediately after.

The men’s draw is expected to be one of the strongest in recent years. England internationals Issa Batrane and Freddie Bialokoz, the 2021 champions, return to Weymouth currently ranked 52nd in the world. They’ll face strong competition from last years champion Harry Jones, this time playing with Dalton Bunde, as well as Scottish internationals and current Bournemouth champions Ross McElvie and James McHardy, and 2023 winners Jan-Joost van den Bogert and Cole Durant.

In the women’s competition, some interesting new partnerships are set to feature. Scotland’s Melissa Coutts has teamed up with England international Vicky Palmer, while her former partner and former Great Britain indoor captain Lynne Beattie will play with fellow Scot Mhairi Wallace. A wildcard has been awarded to Aleksandra Wachowicz from Poland, currently ranked 47th in the world, and her American partner Violeta Slabakova, who will be making their UK debut and are likely to pose a serious challenge.

Whether you're competing, supporting friends, or just enjoying the atmosphere, the Weymouth Grand Slam promises a great weekend of top-level beach volleyball in one of the tour’s most iconic locations.

See you on the sand!

For full event details, visit the UKBT or Weymouth club websites www.ukbeachtour.com www.weymouthbeachvolleyball.co.uk