Montpellier, France, June 5, 2013. The CEV Satellite tournament got started on Wednesday in Montpellier with the Country Quota matches for France and Switzerland in the women’s and men’s division respectively. Andreas and Roman Sutter edged their compatriots Bissig and Beyeler 3:0 (11-6, 12-10, and 12-10) to find their way to the qualification being emulated by Sarpaux/De Vathaire who scored two wins over their countrywomen Laffourcade/Sfalli and Bonacossi/Larche without conceding any set to their opponents. The qualification that starts on Thursday will feature 24 teams per gender with 8 eventually advancing to the Main Draw.
The CEV Satellite in Montpellier is testing an innovative scoring system with matches being played according to the format “best of five” and each set running up to 11 points (in case of a tie at 10, this must be broken by a 2-point lead).

After winning the Country Quota on Wednesday, Virginie Sarpaux/Julie De Vathaire will represent France in the women’s qualification while Pierre Basset/Jeremy Ullmann will carry the hopes of the host country in the men’s division.

The winners of last year’s Montpellier Beach Masters – not yet placed under the CEV umbrella – Francisco Alberto Marco and Christian Garcia of Spain will be trying to retain their title. 

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