Sibling success

Dubai: Two-time Olympic and three-time world champion Kerri Walsh along new partner Nicole Branagh stormed into the finals of the $350,000 Dubai Open beach volleyball tournament at the Jumeirah Beach Park Friday.

The crack American pairing, who are top seeded in this SWATCH FIVB World Tour event, overcame the second-seeded Salgados sisters from Brazil, Carolina and Maria Clara 21-15, 23-21.

In today's final they will meet fellow Americans Jennifer Boss and April Ross, the third seeds, who beat Austria's 'sister act' Doris and Stefanie Schwaiger 21-9, 21-16.

Men's competition

The French Ces brothers upset Brazilian champions Harley Marques and Pedro Salgado in the semis.

Seeded fifth in the 32-team $350,000 Dubai Open main draw, Andy and Kevin Ces scored a 21-18 and 21-18 victory in 51 minutes over the top-seeded Harley and Salgado, who clinched the SWATCH FIVB World Tour championship two weeks ago in Brazil after winning their sixth gold medal in 2008 at Guarujà .

"Andy is the most improved player on this tour," said the 28-year-old Kevin about his 26-year old brother.

"His blocking and my defense were the difference tonight against Harley and Pedro. This is a great win for us and even better for the Beach Volleyball in France.

"Anytime you defeat a team from Brazil, you are accomplishing a lot."

Results

Women's Semifinals:

(Preface number denotes seeding)

1-Nicole Branagh / Kerri Walsh (United States) beat 2- Carolina Salgado / Maria Clara Salgado (Brazil) 21-15, 23-21.

3- Jennifer Boss / April Ross (United States) beat 10-Doris Schwaiger / Stefanie Schwaiger (Austria) 21-9, 21-16

Today's schedule:

4pm: Women's final, followed by the men's final (Jumeirah Beach Park)