FIVB Women's Volleyball Championship at the London Olympics Venue, Horse Guards Parade

FIVB Beach Volleyball International at London Horse Guards Parade is a test event planned ahead of the London 2012 Olympics which runs from 9th - 14th August and is the first occasion when the British capital is hosting an international beach volleyball championship.

FIVB Beach Volleyball International at Horse Guards Parade in London boasts an impressive line-up of top-notch women volleyball players in the world and features a series of 54 matches played within 6 days.
As beach volleyball events during the London 2012 Olympics will be held at the same venue, the event is very important in the process of testing functional and technical aspects of the venue as well as drawing media attention to the sport. Athletes have entered the competition as a beach volleyball supporter and help increase the popularity of the sport.
FIVB Beach Volleyball International at London Horse Guards Parade includes 24 teams selected by LOCOG and FIVB jointly and follows the Olympic Games format. There are total five courts at the venue - one central court, two training courts and two warm-up courts.
FIVB Beach Volleyball International at Horse Guards Parade in London is played using the same format as the Olympics. There are six pools with a total of 24 teams, four teams in each pool. Top two teams of every pool and two best third ranked sides in the pools, will progress to the round of 16. Third ranked teams from the remaining pools will play Lucky Loser matches and winners will advance to the round of 16. These matches are taking place from 9th - 11th August.
A knockout format will be used with 16 selected teams to decide four semifinalists. Two semifinals will be played within the four remaining teams. 1st/2nd position will be decided by the final that will be played between two winning teams from the semifinals whilst the losing teams from the semifinals will battle for the 3rd/4th position. Semifinal and final matches are scheduled on 14th August.
At the Horse Guards Parade, three courts - a central court and two warm-up court are built to a competition standard and all are having lights for night-time matches. Lucky loser and preliminary round matches are going to be played on one of the two warm-up courts. A couple of training courts are also on hand.

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