Rodriguez and Haddock repeat as champions in Cayman Islands

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, March 24, 2013 – Puerto Ricans Roberto “Rafu” Rodriguez and Eric Haddock repeated as men’s champions of the Cayman Islands Beach Volleyball Tournament by defeating USA’s Todd Rogers and Ryan Doherty 21-16, 21-18 in the match for the gold medal on Sunday afternoon.

The crafty team of Rodriguez and Haddock used all their repertoire of shots to keep off balance the powerful tandem of Rogers and Doherty.

“I am really elated about winning against one of the greats of all-time like Todd (Rogers)”, said Rodriguez, who won with Haddock here last year and took a silver medal in 2011 with a different partner. “This is one of the best tournaments and the ambiance really motivates me.”

In the semifinals of Sunday morning, Rodriguez/Haddock scored a 21-18, 21-16 victory over Chaim Schalk and Benjamin Saxton of Canada-A while Rogers/Doherty won 21-19, 21-18 against Christian Redman and Matiej Zbyszewski of Canada-B.

In the match for third place, Schalk/Saxton defeated compatriots Redman/Zbyszewski by scores of 21-16, 21-17.

“We came here on a mission and the goal was to win again,” Haddock said. “Playing against a guy like Rogers was an inspirational factor.”

Rogers said to be pleased with the overall performance playing with a new partner like the towering Doherty, who is 2.16 meters tall.

“I am happy with the way we played in general,” Rogers said. “It is our first tournament together and making it to the finals is pretty good. The competition was solid with teams like Canada, Mexico and, of course, Puerto Rico.”

“I’d rather have liked to win and we were close to make it, one point here and there, but I am pleased,” he added. “The organization was great with Noel (Williams, the president of Cayman Islands Federation) and the people in Cayman Islands with their ever present smile made it enjoyable.”

Men’s results of Sunday

Semifinals: PUR-A d CAN-A 2-0 (21-18, 21-16), USA-A d CAN-B 2-0 (21-19, 21-18). Bronze Medal Match: CAN-A d CAN-B 2-0 (21-16, 21-17. Gold Medal  Match: PUR-A d USA-A 2-0 (21-16, 21-18). Positions 9-16: CAY d TRI 2-0 (21-16, 21-18), PUR d GUA 2-0 (24-22, 21-11), PUR-B d CAY-A 2-0 (21-13, 23-21).