China’s national beach volleyball championships opened Thursday in Haikou, Hainan Province.
　
　　The tournament is also serve as a qualifier for the 10th National Games later this year.

　　The championships are open to players registered at the China Volleyball Association (CVA) as well as those from Hong Kong, Macao and abroad.

　　The tournament involves venues in seven Chinese cities in a time span of four months, with the finals to be held August from 11-14 in Shanghai.

　　Officials say the marathon-style schedule aims to whip players into shape through competition in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.