Brazilian Pedro Solberg and Harley won on Saturday the China Open of beach volleyball, the second stage of the World Circuit.

This was their second title of the year's circuit following their victory in Australia in March, winning in front of an audience of more than 3,500 people crowded at the beach of Junshan in Shanghai.

To win Saturday's title, the Brazilians beat Chinese Wu Penggen and Xu Linyin 21-16, 21-16 in 44 minutes.

Harley was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

"The Chinese are evolving with each game and are gaining more and more confidence," he said.

The winning team took home the prize money of 28,000 US dollars and a well needed 600 points.

Solberg and Harley are closing the gap between them and Marcio and Fabio Luiz for the second spot of Brazilians to represent the country in the Beijing Olympics.

The latter holds onto a lead by 4,740 against 4,400. There are 10 stages left to play in the World Circuit.

Ricardo and Emanuel, who finished 9th in Shanghai, are almost guaranteed a spot in the Olympics with a total score of 5,240.

The third place medal went to Brazilian duo of Franco and Pedro Cunha, who defeated their compatriots 23-21 and 21-15, a revenge for their quarterfinals loss against Franco and Cunha.

(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2008)