Cubans Díaz and González score third win of the year

VARADERO, Cuba, July 17, 2016 – Cubans Nivaldo Diaz and Sergio Gonzalez, who are qualified to play at Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, claimed their third gold medal of the year at the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit by winning the Varadero Tournament with a 2-1 (21-13, 19-21, 14-13) victory over Canadians Michael Plantinga and Cameron Wheelan on Sunday.

It was the 16th overall gold medal in NORCECA for Gonzalez and the eighth for Diaz, who earlier this year, the Cuban pair registered victories in consecutive weekends in Guaymas and La Paz, México.

The Cubans also won the NORCECA Continental Cup Finals in Guaymas, teaming up with Karell Peña and Daisel Quesada, to secure the ticket to Rio de Janeiro

In their semifinal match, Diaz and Gonzalez defeated countrymen Liosbel Méndez and Yendris Castillo in straight sets 2-0 (21-19, 21-17), while Plantinga and Wheelan came back to edge Spencer McLachlin and Miles Evans of United States 2-1 (19-21, 21-12, 15-10).

“This is an important result because it is our last chance to compete before Rio and it means our playing system keeps stable and every time you win you strengthen the positive mentality and that’s what we need in Brazil,” said Nivaldo, who at 22 is the youngest member of the duo.

Meanwhile Sergio said that “you enjoy winning against an experienced team more than claiming a third gold medal in as many outings in 2016, and it is boost to continue our preparation well focused to do it well for Cuba and NORCECA area at the Olympics.”

McLachlin and Evans recovered to claim the bronze medal with a 2-0 (21-12, 21-18) win over Méndez and Castillo.
 

Men’s Results of Sunday

Semifinals: CUB-A d CUB-C 2-0 (21-19, 21-17), CAN-A d USA 2-1 (19-21, 21-12, 15-10). Bronze Medal: USA d CUB-C 2-0 (21-12, 21-18). Gold Medal: CUB-A d CAN-A 2-1 (21-13, 19-21, 15-13). Losers Quarterfinals: DOM d CUR 2-1 (21-17, 22-20, 15-13), ESA d HON 2-1 (19-21, 21-11, 15-8). Losers Semifinals: CUB-B d CAN-B 2-1 (21-17, 18-21-15-13), ISV d GUA 2-1 (20-22, 21-16, 15-9). 5th Place: CUB-B d ISV 2-0 (21-11, 21-14). 7th Place: CAN-B d GUA 2-0 (21-8, 21-17). 9th Place: DOM d ESA 2-0 (23-21, 21-16). 11th Place: CUR d HON 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 15-5).