The gold goes to Cuban duo Yoendri Kinderlan and Sergio Gonzales in NORCECA Beach Volleyball Cup
The results of the final stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit, the bicentennial beach volleyball tournament, were revealed on Sunday, 17th October, 2010. The search for the winning team finally
came to an end, with Cuban duo Yoendri Kinderlan and Sergio Gonzales taking home the gold.
The tournament provided a great opportunity to Caribbean and South American athletes to show off their skills. Teams from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Canada and the USA participated in the action. Out of four teams
from Mexico, Juan Virgen and Aldo Miramontes survived up till the final stage of the tournament. They were challenged by Cuba’s Kinderlan and Gonzales in the final encounter at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The home-team couldn’t keep its grip on the game and lost
the final match to Cuba.
Gold Medal Match
Cuba achieved success in the gold medal match with the help of 21-18 and 21-18 in consecutive sets. The physical and mental strength of the Cuban duo was evident from the outset of the match, but the Mexican pair also fought
bravely. The first set saw frequent illegal shots and ball reception errors from both sides. Gradually the players settled down in their positions and controlled their movement on the shifting sand. The Cubans had good attack-power and they took full advantage
of the command of their arms. They stormed Mexico’s court with an onslaught of earth-shattering shots. The digging and diving of the Cuban players earned them their edge over their opponents.
On the other side of the net, the Mexican team also had some good tactics up its sleeve; the players hit the spikes with varied pace and at different lengths. The experienced Virgen was keen to throw the ball in the gaps.
Aldo supported his side’s score with perfect serves and commanding shots.
The fans had a great time watching this fiery encounter. Cuba began playing more aggressively after the first changeover of sides in the set, scoring a series of consecutive points. They were quick to cover the vulnerable
areas on the court. They reached set point with a perfect kill to end the first set at 21-18.
The Mexicans didn’t lose hope and kept on hitting confident shots in the second set. Avenging the first set though was not an easy task – Cuba was even more fired up in the second set. The exchange of shooting balls continued
throughout the second set. Despite a good defense and strong attack, Mexico couldn’t achieve the mark. Cuba swiftly cruised past the Mexicans in the second set with a score of 21-18 once again. Mexico was out of the game, while Cuba celebrated its gold medal
victory.
Bronze Medal Match
The two losing sides from the tournament semi-finals met in the third-place match the same day. USA 1 was defeated by Mexico 1 in the first semi-final, whereas Mexico 2 lost the semi-final to Cuba. Ulises and Lombardo Ontiveros
of Mexico 2 proved to be the better side and outclassed the USA’s Marcin Jagoda and Michael Diehl in two straight sets by posting 21-13 and 21-13. The home-team therefore settled for a bronze medal.
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