The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) event has been upgraded to four star status this year, as Espinho hosts its 15th men's and 10th women's competition.

A 32 team main draw will be in place for both men and women, with a modified pool system seeing the top three teams advancing from each four team pool.

An elimination phase will then follow.

The women’s field is headed by Melissa Humana-Paredes and Sarah Pavan of Canada, who currently head the world rankings.

The duo will be hoping to claim their second victory at a four star event this year, having triumphed in Xiamen.

United States’ Philip Dalhausser and Nick Lucena will begin as the pairing to beat in the men’s competition.

They have competed in four tour events so far this year, which included their victory at the Fort Lauderdale Major in February.

A quota place play-off to complete Brazil’s representation in the women’s qualifying draw has taken place already.

Ana Patricia Ramos and Rebecca Cavalcanti Barbosa Silva emerged as the winners, overcoming their compatriots Josemari Alves and Liliane Maestrini 23-21, 21-17.

The duo sealed their spot in the main draw by winning two further qualifying matches, with their last coming against Switzerland’s Nicole Eiholzer and Elena Steinemann by a 21-19, 21-15 score.

The main draw will begin tomorrow, with competition running through until Sunday when the finals and bronze medal matches will take place.