Replacing Kiraly No Easy Task

The expected loss of Karch Kiraly could be a gain for two beach volleyball locals.

Kiraly, who dislocated his right shoulder Wednesday and probably won’t be ready to play next month in the Olympics, could be replaced by Eric Fonoimoana or Dain Blanton.

If Kiraly and partner Adam Johnson maintain their lead over Blanton and Fonoimoana in the qualifying standings, Johnson will have to choose a new partner.

Assuming Kiraly won’t be able to play--he is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday--Johnson will choose from a two-person list supplied by the International Beach Commission, a panel of USA volleyball administrators and journalists.

The committee will select two players based on the next four U.S. finishers, which would be Blanton, a Santa Monica resident; Fonoimoana, a Hermosa Beach resident; Sinjin Smith; and Carl Henkel.

Johnson must replace Kiraly by Sept. 12, five days before men’s beach volleyball begins in Sydney, said John Kessel, Director of USA Beach Volleyball.

The point becomes moot if Blanton and Fonoimoana overtake Kiraly and Johnson by finishing fourth or better at the Belgium tournament, the final event in which to earn qualifying points. The tournament ends Sunday.

If Kiraly and Johnson finish higher, however, Johnson will have a decision to make. Unless, against all odds, Kiraly’s injury heals.

Former UCLA outside hitter Kevin Wong and Rob Heidger have clinched the top U.S. spot.

The Olympic-qualifying situation for women’s beach volleyball is also unclear.

Misty May, who turned 23 on July 30, and veteran Holly McPeak are trying to finish a convincing run that began this year.

The duo have accrued three first-place and three second-place finishes in only nine events, and they lead Liz Masakayan and Elaine Youngs by a relatively slim 84 points for the second U.S. spot.

The main draw for the last women’s qualifying tournament, held in Dalian, China, begins today.

Annett Davis and Jenny Johnson Jordan have all but locked up the top U.S. spot with a 172-point lead over May and McPeak.