Cubans prepare for NORCECA Beach Circuit

HAVANA, Cuba, March 18, 2014 – The best beach volleyball players of Cuba took part in the first special technical control as part of their preparation towards the NORCECA Circuit that kicks off on April, and the world stage in Puerto Vallarta from May 6-11.

It was a very attractive show for the competiveness of the 14 pairs –seven per gender- as well as the good organization of the tournament animated by the candidates to win spots to the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz.

In the men’s division stood out the tandem of Sergio Gonzalez, medalist in the NORCECA Circuit, and his new partner Nivaldo Diaz, a young who will turn 20 later this month, who has won his place along with the tall blocker for his excellent defensive tools and capacity to adjust tactically with his partner.

Sergio, 23, and Nivaldo arrived to the final undefeated, as expected from the number one Cuban team, and took the gold by downing 21-11, 21-14 the promising young pair of Manuel Madan and Pedro Torres, of 18 and 19 years-old, respectively.

The eventual champions regretted the match was not against the second team due to the injury sustained by Karell Peña, also a medalist in the region, now playing with Yendry Castillo, in hopes of a more competitive match even though new duels are scheduled next month.

The men’s bronze medal went to the pair of Yaniro Rabeiro and Carlos Tondique of Havana, who defeated Lienme Caballero and Alejandro Soto, also from Havana, in a close match that ended 21-12, 9-21, 15-10.

In the women’s division the victory went to Lianma Flores and Leila Martinez, the top winners in the qualification process, who prevailed against Yirelis Rodriguez and Mailen Delis. Flores-Martinez won the first set 22-20 and the score was tied at 14-14 when Yirelis felt stiffness in a quadriceps and the match had to be stopped.

The match for the bronze was also a close battle but the superiority gave the triumph to Atria Rodriguez and Claudia Camalleris over Lidiannis Echeveria and Eliannis Chapotin by scores of 21-18, 17-21, 15-12.