BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Australia’s Isaac Kapa and Chris McHugh have made a strong start to the opening event of the 2016 beach volleyball World Tour at Kish Island in Iran, progressing through to the elimination round undefeated.

Kapa and McHugh made short work of their three opponents in the group stage of the historic Kish Island event, the first time a major beach volleyball event has been played in Iran.

The Australians overcame opponents from Turkey, China and Iran to finish on top of their group, advancing straight to the second round of elimination.

Kapa and McHugh are hoping for some strong early season results, to propel them up the leaderboard ahead of the rankings qualification deadline.

The top 15 ranked teams in the world as at June 13 will qualify a quota position for their country at the Rio Olympics.

The Australians are currently ranked 31st, after injury disrupted their 2015 season.

ROSS SOLLY FOR VOLLEYBALL AUSTRALIA