Our look back at last year’s fun in the sun in Fort Lauderdale

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Packed crowds and blue skies at last year’s fabulous Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals Fort Lauderdale. Photocredit: Andreas Langreiter.

Time is ticking towards the fabulous finale of the beach volleyball season as we find out who is crowned the Swatch Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour Finals champions 2016.

But enough of that for a minute – we’ve still got three weeks until we kick-off this year’s spectacular in Toronto.

So what about last year?

Well the tournament in Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA, moved to a distinct samba beat as both winners and third-placed teams hailed from Brazil, giving the South American beach volleyball superpower four out of the six podium places on offer.

In the men’s tournament, World Champions Alison/Bruno stormed to take first place, blitzing the home challenge of Lucena/Dalhausser in a very one-sided but breathtaking final of top-class beach volleyball.

The champions beat Pedro Solberg/Evandro in the semifinal but the Brazilians still enjoyed success in the battle for third as they overcame the Dutch threat of Brouwer/Meeuwsen.

Selfie smiles on Center Court! Photocredit: Martin Steinthaler.

The joy for Brazil extended in the women’s competition too – Larissa/Talita were in imperious form in the fight for first place against Germany’s Ludwig/Walkenhorst, winning in straight sets.

And, in an epic match for the final place on the podium, Brazil’s Agatha/Barbara beat Pavan/Bansley in a 2-1 thriller that last for an hour on the Center Court.

There was drama by the bucket load in Florida 12 months ago and now, with the bar even higher after a super competitive year on the FIVB World Tour, Toronto promises to be even better.

Bring. It. On!