Lausanne, Switzerland, June 09 2017 – The big news from the kick-off press conference for the Porec Major 2017 was that Croatian soccer star Ivan Perisic will play in the men’s competition.
The surprise announcement came following Beach Majors CEO Hannes Jagerhofer’s introduction that Porec will host its third successive international beach volleyball tournament on the Adriatic coast where Olympic athletes will battle for prize money of $600,000.
“I’m happy to be here and proud to have this exciting sport in the beautiful city of Porec,” said Jagerhofer, who also confirmed that for the first time there will be night matches at this summer’s five-star event. “The players love it here especially because of side courts Valamar and Laguna – you cannot find locations like this anywhere else in the world.”
Ivan Perisic, who plays his football in Italy with Inter Milan, will partner fellow Croatian Niksa Dell’Orco during the event.
In a statement Perisic said: “I have been given permission to play in a beach volleyball tournament of the highest importance. My only wish is to stay in the tournament for as long as possible. I hope my participation in the Porec Major will help promote this unique tournament and promote this beautiful sport.
“The fee that we will receive as a team from the organizers will be donated to the beach volleyball federation to benefit the development of Croatian beach volleyball players.”
Perisic will play all of his matches on the Center Court. He and Dell’Orco make their debut together on June 28 at 9pm before playing their second match the following day, also at 9pm. Their final pool match will take place on June 30 at 1pm.