The qualifying round of the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup took place today ©Getty Images

Pairs from Lebanon, Russia, Egypt and the United States progressed through the qualifying round to reach the main draw of the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup.

The four teams completed the 16-team line-up for the main draw in the Qatari capital tomorrow. 

Lebanon's Joe El Azzi and Salba Chafic qualified first, easing past their Turkish opponents 21-14, 21-14. 

Russian duo Maksim Abramov and Artur Salmanov were also triumphant, comfortably defeating Josh Lichty and Scott Hettermann of Canada 21-9, 21-10.

A pair from Qatar could not capitalise on their home advantage and lost 21-5, 21-5 to Atta Ahmed and Nassif Atef of Egypt. 

Qatar’s Cherif Younousse Samba and Ahmed Tijan are considered the favourites for the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup
Qatar’s Cherif Younousse Samba and Ahmed Tijan are considered the favourites for the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup

The final team to make it through to the main draw comprised Travis Mewhirter and Adam Roberts of the US, who received a bye into the next round. 

The top three finishers in each of the four groups in the main draw will advance to the elimination bracket on Thursday (February 25).

Qatar’s Cherif Younousse Samba and Ahmed Tijan, who have three World Tour medals, an Asian Games title, and are ranked 13th internationally, are considered the favourites. 

The Doha Beach Volleyball Cup is a one-star International Volleyball Federation World Tour event.