Record-breaker Vasiliki Arvaniti and partner Panagiota Karagkouni progressed to the main draw in Espinho ©FIVB

Record-breaker Vasiliki Arvaniti and partner Panagiota Karagkouni progressed to the main draw as the International Volleyball Federation Beach Volleyball World Tour event in Portugal began with qualification.

Greece's Arvaniti, who has set the record for most appearances as the four-star competition in Espinho is her 176th major tournament, and Karagkouni overcame teams from Portugal and Spain to reach the main draw.

The Greek duo beat Matilde Calado and Mafalda Porto of Portugal 21-19, 21-5 in their opening match before they defeated Paula Soria and Maria Belen Carro of Spain 21-16, 21-10.

Arvaniti has competed at three Olympic Games, six World Championships and three age-group World Championships during her career.

Qualification in the women's draw took centre stage at the four-star World Tour event ©FIVB
Qualification in the women's draw took centre stage at the four-star World Tour event ©FIVB

"Qualifying for my fourth Olympic Games would make a great end to my career," she said.

"I’ve played for so many years and I’m happy that I can keep playing now that I’m 34. 

"I’d like to continue a little bit more."

Victoria Bieneck and Isabel Schneider of Germany were among the other qualifiers for the main draw following a 21-14, 2-19 win over Kaho Sakaguchi and Reika Murakami.

They are joined by Finland's Riika Lehtonen and Niina Ahtainen, who overcame Daniela Alvarez Mendoza and Tania Moreno of Spain 21-18, 21-18.

The tournament continues tomorrow.