Players compete in the 2023 World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour in Qidong, a county-level city of Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The 2023 World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour kicked off at the Evergrande Venice in the Bihai Yinsha Scenic Area in Qidong, a county-level city of Nantong, Jiangsu province, on Aug 17.

The event attracted more than 40 teams from more than 10 countries and regions around the world, with more than 100 professional players participating. The competition will last from Aug 17 to 20.

The event is hosted by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and undertaken by the China Volleyball Association and Jiangsu Provincial Sports Bureau.

In the opening match, China's Chen Xiufeng and Qin Chengda faced off against Japan's Adachi and Takuma, winning the match 2-1 and recording their first win of the tournament.

In recent years, Qidong has organized many major sporting events by making use of its unique sea and river attractions and beautiful environment. This year's 2023 World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour is the most prestigious competition since Qidong began hosting beach volleyball events seven years ago.