Sydney, Australia, March 15, 2010 -- SWATCH FIVB World Tour 2009 Mazury Open runners-up Becchara Palmer and Louise Bawden have started their season in fine form by winning the Lifestyle Asset Australian Beach Volleyball Championships on Sunday, beating Dutch pair Merel Mooren and Margo Wiltens 2-0 (21-15, 21-15) in the final.

The duo, who were surprisingly beaten by Jordan and Justine Mowen in the final round on Saturday, recovered well and are now looking forward to 2010 as well as the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile Australian pair Sam Boehm and Chris McHugh had to work hard to beat triple Olympian Josh Slack and Isaac Kapa 2-1 (21-18, 15-21, 15-13) in the men's final with the match being decided on McHugh's final serve.

McHugh admitted both he and Boehm were stronger and fitter than last year and are looking forward to tackling the SWATCH FIVB World Tour, which starts in Brazil next month.