Brand new partnerships set for Fort Lauderdale Major

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Anouk Vergé-Dépré will partner Joana Heidrich for the first time in Fort Lauderdale.

Beach fans will get to see new women’s teams by the bucket load at the Fort Lauderdale Major!

Of the 24 teams that have been entered into the main draw, half are made up of new constellations which will be gunning for glory on the sand in Florida.

Two of those include wildcards from Germany – Karla Borger and Maggie Kozuch – and from hosts United States – Lane Carico and Irene Pollock.

For Kozuch it will be her debut at the beach having made the switch from her indoor exploits as she partners Olympian and Swatch Major Series favorite Karla.

Both teams ensure there are four American and German teams guaranteed in the main draw for the first tournament of the beach season.

Among the German teams is Olympic champions Kira Walkenhorst, who has opted to play alongside Julia Groβner in the absence of Laura Ludwig, who sits out with a shoulder injury.

Also making their debuts as a team are Americans Summer Ross and Brooke Sweat and Lauren Fendrick and rising star Sara Hughes, who together with Kelly Claes, caused a massive upset at the A1 Major Klagenfurt when the duo beat Ludwig/Walkenhorst in the Pool Play.

After their first tournament together at the Swatch World Tour Finals in Toronto, Heather Bansley and Brandie Wilkerson line-up on the sand once more – and they will be joined by a new team from Canada in the main draw in the shape of Taylor Pischke and Kristina May.

Austrian beach volleyball supporters will also get to see the new formation of Stefanie Schwaiger and Katharina Schützenhöfer, while Brazilian fans will get to see the exciting partnership of Agatha/Duda.

All the new teams already in the hat for the main draw will be joined by the winners of eight second-round qualification matches, which take place on the opening day of the tournament on Tuesday, February 7.

You can find out the full list who has made the main draw by clicking here – and remember to share your opinion on the new teams by posting on our Facebook page.