OLYMPICS 19 DAYS TO THE GAMES : Brazil Ranked First but U.S. Gets Byes

The top eight teams gained first-round byes in a draw held in Marseille, France for Olympic beach volleyball.

Roberto Costa Lopes and Franco Vieira Neto of Brazil are top-seeded in the event, followed by three American teams--Carl Henkel and Sinjin Smith, Karch Kiraly and Kent Steffens, and Mike Dodd and Mike Whitmarsh.

The competition will be a double elimination tournament starting July 23 with 16 teams in the first round.

Gail Castro and Deb Richardson, Barbra Fontana Harris and Linda Hanley qualified for the U.S. women’s team, and Holly McPeak and Nancy Reno got the automatic spot.