Phillips chases more success with new partner
Tara Phillips knows what it takes to get to the business end of tournaments and is in a mood to be there again this week at the Mahindra Australian Beach Volleyball Championships at Coolangatta.
Prior to the third round of the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour in Cobram three weeks ago, Phillips had been to Super Sunday on four occasions – three times with long-time partner Kayla Mears and once at last year’s Australian Championships with Georgia Johnson.
However the 23-year-old broke new ground on the banks of the Murray River, making it to the semi-finals in the first tournament she had played with a new partner.
Phillips had never before made the final four at her first outing as a new combination, however her partnership with teenager Cameron Zajer proved to be an instant success.
“It’s feeling good,” said Phillips. “Cameron and I have only played together in Cobram but we’ve come together in a nice way.
“Cam’s an up-and-comer with a fast arm, she digs everything and is really fun to play with.”
Having taken a spot on the national Tour podium for just the second time earlier this month, Phillips says she and Zajer are hungry for more success.
“Definitely the goal this week is to come away with a medal,” she said. “We seem to be building a solid team together and we’re enjoying playing together.
“Excited for another Super Sunday. We’re here at beautiful Coolangatta, it’s almost like a home beach for me now I’m living in Brisbane. For me, it’s one of the best events on the calendar,” she said.
On the opening day of the Mahindra Australian Beach Volleyball Championships, Phillips and Zajer made the most of their fourth-seeding by cruising through their first three matches to top their pool and made their way into the round of 16.
Day two, they held strong to win both matches in two sets, setting themselves up well heading into Super Sunday where they will meet Australian Beach Volleyball Tour leaders Georgia Johnson and Elizabeth Alchin.
Phillips and Zajer will team back together next week at the Beach Pro Tour Futures event at Coolangatta before Asian Tour events await as the international season moves into top gear.
Super Sunday begins with semi-final action from 8:00am AEST tomorrow. Bronze Medal matches start at 12:30pm AEST and will be streamed live on SBS on Demand. Gold Medal matches will be televised on SBS from 3pm AEST.
Click here for full results, draws and pool standings from the 2025 Mahindra Australian Beach Volleyball Championships.Phillips chases more success with new partner
Tara Phillips knows what it takes to get to the business end of tournaments and is in a mood to be there again this week at the Mahindra Australian Beach Volleyball Championships at Coolangatta.
Prior to the third round of the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour in Cobram three weeks ago, Phillips had been to Super Sunday on four occasions – three times with long-time partner Kayla Mears and once at last year’s Australian Championships with Georgia Johnson.
However the 23-year-old broke new ground on the banks of the Murray River, making it to the semi-finals in the first tournament she had played with a new partner.
Phillips had never before made the final four at her first outing as a new combination, however her partnership with teenager Cameron Zajer proved to be an instant success.
“It’s feeling good,” said Phillips. “Cameron and I have only played together in Cobram but we’ve come together in a nice way.
“Cam’s an up-and-comer with a fast arm, she digs everything and is really fun to play with.”
Having taken a spot on the national Tour podium for just the second time earlier this month, Phillips says she and Zajer are hungry for more success.
“Definitely the goal this week is to come away with a medal,” she said. “We seem to be building a solid team together and we’re enjoying playing together.
“Excited for another Super Sunday. We’re here at beautiful Coolangatta, it’s almost like a home beach for me now I’m living in Brisbane. For me, it’s one of the best events on the calendar,” she said.
On the opening day of the Mahindra Australian Beach Volleyball Championships, Phillips and Zajer made the most of their fourth-seeding by cruising through their first three matches to top their pool and made their way into the round of 16.
Day two, they held strong to win both matches in two sets, setting themselves up well heading into Super Sunday where they will meet Australian Beach Volleyball Tour leaders Georgia Johnson and Elizabeth Alchin.
Phillips and Zajer will team back together next week at the Beach Pro Tour Futures event at Coolangatta before Asian Tour events await as the international season moves into top gear.
Super Sunday begins with semi-final action from 8:00am AEST tomorrow. Bronze Medal matches start at 12:30pm AEST and will be streamed live on SBS on Demand. Gold Medal matches will be televised on SBS from 3pm AEST.
