Mexico´s Rubio, Gaxiola go one better in Bonaire

 

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire, September 28, 2019 - Mexico´s Jose Luis Rubio and Josue Gaston Gaxiola went one better than Punta Cana, when they swept USA-B Kristopher Johnson and Christopher Austin 2-0 in the men final of the inaugural hosting by the Bonaire Volleyball Federation of the seventh leg of the 2019 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour Circuit.

 

The Mexicans who were beaten in the final in Dominican Republic two weeks ago made no mistake this time around and came away with a 21-13, 21-12 victory under lights to claim a first gold medal this season.

 

Commenting on the victory an elated Gaxiola said after the disappointment of Punta Cana they came to Bonaire with one main objective which was to win overall.

 

“It was not going to be easy, as we had tough opponents in the final, but we won and we are very happy,” ended Gaxiola.

 

In the morning session, Rubio and Gaxiola defeated Canada´s Simon Fecteau-Boutin and Ivan Reka 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) in their semifinal, and Johnson and  Austin, both California-born, outlasted their country-men, Kyle Friend and Travis Mewhirter of USA-A 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-13).

 

Friend and Mewhirter ensured that two USA teams were on the medal podium by beating Fecteau-Boutin and Reka 2-0 (21-16, 21-19) for the bronze.

 

Nicaraguans Alejandro Ruben Mora and Antonio Dany Lopez won their Central American battle with Franklin Flores and David Vargas of El Salvador for fifth spot 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) while Trinidad and Tobago overcame their English-speeaking Caribbean rivals, St Clair Hodge and Shawn Seabrookes of St Kitts and Nevis for seventh, 2-0 (25-23, 21-12).

 

US Virgin Islands´ Brian Kwansy and Gabriel Ospina Rodriguez finished ninth after beating Angela Fransua  and Eddy Toro Moldonado of Aruba 2-0 (21-13, 21-15), and in the battle for 11 th, Curacao´s Ernaldo Mota and Jurcham Meulens beat Bonaire´s Luiyi Morales and Davidlee Winklaar 2-0 (21-12, 21-10).

Saturday’s results in Bonaire

Men’s results

Semifinals: USA-B d USA-A 2-1 (16-21, 21-19, 15-13), CAN d MEX 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) Losers Semifinals: ESA d SKN 2-0 (21-16, 21-17), NCA d TTO 2-0 (21-16, 21-18). Positions 11-12: CUR d BON-A 2-0 (21-12, 21-10). Positions 9-10: ISV d ARU 2-0 (21-13, 21-17). Positions 7-8: TTO d SKN 2-0 (25-23, 21-12). Positions 5-6: NCA d ESA 2-0 (21-15, 21-19). Bronze Medal Match: USA-A d CAN 2-0 (21-16, 21-19). Gold Medal Match: MEX d USA-B 2-0 (21-13, 21-12).