Second consecutive Gold for Cubans Gonzalez/Diaz

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA, Guatemala, May 11, 2014.-  Cubans Sergio Gonzalez and Nivaldo Diaz beat Roberto Rodriguez/Eric Haddock of Puerto Rico 2-0 (21-15, 21-13) to win their second consecutive Gold of the season at the first Gatorade Antigua Guatemala BVB, the third stage of the NORCECA Tour.

Gonzalez/Diaz finished the tournament undefeated showing a strong performance all the way to the Gold Medal match. Puerto Ricans Rodriguez/Haddock started off with good defense and blocking but as the match developed they lacked concentration.

“We feel good playing together, we’re preparing hard for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz and what better way than reaching the final of the NORCECA tour” said Sergio Gonzalez.

For Sergio Gonzalez this is his eighth gold medal in the NORCECA Tour and for newcomer Nivaldo Diaz things look bright as it’s his second gold medal in his second tournament. The duo will register for the next two stages to be held in Mexico at Colima (May 28-June 2) and Toluca (June 4-9).

Nivaldo Diaz indicated “we knew Puerto Rico was going to give us work but we stayed calm to reach our goal, it’s difficult to win but much more difficult to stay on top”.

Cubans won their semifinal to Cameron Wheelan/Micheal Plantinga of CAN-B by 2-0 (21-15, 21-15), while Roberto Rodriguez/Eric Haddock of PUR defeated Simon Fecteau Boutin/James 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) Battiston of CAN-A.

In the Canadian battle for the bronze medal Cameron Wheelan/Micheal Plantinga of CAN-B beat 2-0 (21-17, 21-14) Simon Fecteau Boutin/James Battiston of CAN-A.

Men’s results Sunday: Gold Medal Match: CUB d PUR 2-0 (21-15, 21-13); Bronze Medal Match: CAN-B d CAN-A 2-0 (21-17, 21-14); Semifinals: CUB d CAN-B 2-0 (21-15, 21-15); PUR d CAN-A 2-0 (21-16, 21-15); Final Standing: 1. CUB; 2. PUR; 3. CAN-B; 4. CAN-A; 5. USA-A; 6. ESA; 7. UASA-B; 8. GUA-B; 9. GUA-A; 10. ESA-B; 11. NCA; 12. CRC; 13. GUA-C; 14. HON; 15. CAY; 16. TTO.