The Italians, who were second at the Rio 2016 Games in August behind home Brazilian pair Alison Cerutti and Bruno Schmit, are considered the team to beat on the shore of the Chinese city and will start as top seeds.

However, the bronze medallists from Rio 2016 - Dutch pair Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen - will also be competing in Xiamen and are sure to provide a stern test while seeded second.

China will be represented by their top pair Likejiang Ha and Jian Bao on home sand, while Russia have sent three teams to compete.

Nikita Liamin and Viacheslav Krasilinikov are likely to be the biggest challengers, with the third seeds winning the World Tour event in Kish Island in Iran this season.

In the women's tournament, Brazil's Rio 2016 silver medallist Barbara Seixas De Freitas will compete alongside new partner Fernanda Alves as second seeds.

Another Brazilian pair, Josemari Alves and Liliane Maestrini, will be the top seeds, with their compatriots Juliana Felisberta Da Silva and Carolina Solberg Salgado ranked third as part of a strong presence by the South American nation. 

China's Fan Wang and Yuan Yue are seeded fifth and will be hoping for a good showing in front of their own fans.

Action will begin in Xiamen tomorrow with qualification rounds.

The tournament will conclude on April 23.