Smith, Stoklos Favored as Volleyball Tournament Opens

The $150,000 Miller Lite beach volleyball tournament, the finale of a $1.2-million, 23-event tour, will start today in Hermosa Beach, offering the biggest prize fund in the history of beach volleyball.

The 36-team field includes the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals’ top-ranked players--Sinjin Smith, Randy Stoklos, Mike Dodd and Tim Hovland.

The top-seeded Smith and Stoklos, who have won nine tournaments this year, are heavy favorites. The former UCLA stars have each earned $115,385 in prize money.

The second-seeded Dodd and Hovland have surpassed Smith and Stoklos in prize money, with $119,005 each, but are one shy of the AVP’s top-rated pair in tournament victories.

Jon Stevenson and Pat Powers could present a threat to both teams in the battle for the $37,500 first prize. The No. 3 team has won six titles this year.

Today’s matches will start at 9 a.m. in front of the Hermosa Beach Pier. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m.