THE British number one pairing of Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney have boosted the women’s section of the 28th RAF Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic with a surprise late entry.

The 38th ranked duo in the world have been playing on the World Tour this season as part of their campaign to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics but in a change to their programme they have decide to take a break from that to compete at Weymouth.

They will now go into the event as firm favourites but will come up against strong opposition, particularly in the form of last year’s winner Mel Coutts, who this time around is teaming up with Atlanta 1996 Olympian Mo Glover.

Another duo to watch out for will be the unknown quantity from California of Delavane Diaz and Bonnie Wilson.

The men’s event will see the return of Steve Fee and Albrecht Glitz, who have been runners-up at Weymouth for the last four years.

They will no doubt be determined to go one better this year but once again they will have their work cut out against World Tour players such as Robin Miedzibrodski and Tom Lord, and Australian pair Ben Nichols and Ryan Carter.

There will also be local interest in the men’s competition with British Under-18 champion Ryan Stout competing in the main draw for the first time, alongside the experienced Terry Oldrid.

Stout will also be aiming to play on the centre court on Sunday but in order to do this he will need to reach the under-18 boys’ showpiece, which will take place before the main finals.

In all, over 100 players from Britain and across Europe will be taking part across the eight courts on Weymouth Beach with the action getting underway with the men’s qualifiers on Friday lunchtime.

Grandstand seating for 500 people will be centred around the main show court, which will also include live commentary and music, and the Pzazz Dancing team on Sunday.

Entry to the site is free all weekend.

* The showpiece gets underway this evening (6pm) with the Battens Charity Beach Volleyball Tournament.

CHAMPIONSHIP TIMETABLE

Friday (Midday-1pm): Championship Launch/Press, Clash of the Stars.

Friday (1pm-7pm): Qualifying Round Championships.

Saturday (9am-7pm): Men’s and Women’s Championships.

Sunday (9am-5pm): Men’s and Women’s Championships (Finals Day).

Sunday (from 3pm): Men’s and Women’s finals followed by presentations.