Beach volleyball Olympians Dalhausser, Rosenthal split

Published Jul. 27, 2015 10:39 p.m. ET

foxsports

Two of the United States' best hopes for a medal in men's beach volleyball are shuffling partners about a year before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Beijing gold medalist Phil Dalhausser has split with his partner, two-time Olympian Sean Rosenthal. The team has won six times on the FIVB international tour, but Dalhausser has fought an injury this year.

Dalhausser returns to his first partner on the beach, Nick Lucena. The two played in 30 matches together a decade ago. Dalhausser teamed with Todd Rogers for their 2008 Olympic title.

Lucena had been playing with Theo Brunner, and they are the No. 2 U.S. men's team in qualifying for Rio. Brunner will team with Rosenthal.

Rosenthal reached the 2008 and 2012 Olympics with Jake Gibb.