The 3rd annual Fort Lauderdale Open proved yet again to be a GREAT success! Player’s from around the state of Florida jammed Fort Lauderdale beach to prove that they are worthy of the cash prize, or for our amateur divisions, the “bundle” giveaways. 150 Teams took to Fort Lauderdale beach for the season opener of the Dig the Beach Series. If this was any indication of the level of competition; this year will be a battle till the end for all divisions.

Florida’s most dominant women’s team took to the beach to defend their 2x Fort Lauderdale Open title; Tara Kuk and Kim Whitney. The number 1 seeded Kuk and Whitney faced off in the finals against 2008 Dig the Beach Series National Championship Runner-ups in Megan Wallin and Kristen Batt. After some incredible action, Tara and Kim proved to be too strong claiming their third Fort Lauderdale Open title.

Number 2 seeded and defending 2008 Dig the Beach Series National Champions Mike DiPierro and Mark VanZwieten took on #3 seeded Justin Phipps and Adrian Carambula. What also proved to be an extremely exciting match, after the final whistle Mark and Mike walked away with the Championship. Mark and Mike have aligned themselves as this year’s top male team.

Saturday night players were treated to wild and crazy Corona Extra Player’s Party at Americas Backyard. After an exhausting day of beach volleyball, players didn’t miss a beat when finding a way to enjoy the ice cold Corona Extra’s.

Sunday’s competition featured our co-ed divisions. In a fun, laid back atmosphere the competition remained top notch. Congratulations to all that participated and our Champions Judith Gazzoni and Miroslav Stayanow, Eric Else and Katie Jones.

Looking for the latest on the Dig the Beach Series? Visit www.digthebeach.com. The next stop on the Dig the Beach Series schedule is May 16-17 in Siesta Key. Don’t forget about the Corona Wide Open Tour heading to Fort Lauderdale Beach April 25-26. Winners in Men’s Open, AA, A; Women’s Open, AA, A; Coed Open and A will all receive roundtrip airfare and hotel to compete in the US Open of Beach Volleyball in Manhattan Beach, CA September 25-27. Sign up today at www.coronawideopen.com.