VIENNA.— On August 2, undefeated leaders of Group A, Cuba’s men’s team composed of Sergio González and Nivaldo Díaz -Díaz, advanced to the second round of the Beach Volleyball World Championships being held in this city.
González-Díaz defeated Brazilians Álvaro Marais Filho-Saymon Barbosa in sets of 17-21, 21-15, and 15-10, during their third and final qualifying round match.
During the contest, the Caribbean duo came from behind after losing the first set to the number two world ranked pair, to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament with a total of three wins, zero losses and six points.
The Cuban team was able to exploit the 26 errors committed by their opponents, and deliver an effective attack, which between Díaz (12) and González (12) saw the team score 22 points, with the latter also proving to be the best defender of the match, making thee blocks.
Meanwhile, Barbosa proved to be best attacker, scoring 15 points, while his teammate Marais Filho secured nine.
The Cuban team had previously beaten local team Thomas Kunert-Christoph Dressler (21-18 and 21-13) and Daneil Williams-Marlon Phillips of Trinidad and Tobago in sets of 21-17 and 21-14.
The Cubans will now be looking to be among the final 16, as they prepare to face their next opponent (yet to be announced).
Meanwhile, Brazilian teams Alison Cerutti-Bruno Oscar Schmidt and Pedro Solberg-Gustavo Albrecht Carvalhaes maintained their unbeaten run, finishing top of Groups E and H, respectively.
On August 2, Cerutti-Schmidt defeated Chilean pair Marco and Esteban Grimalt in sets of 21-14 and 21-13, while Solberg-Carvalhaes ended their qualifying round competition with a win over Casey Patterson-Theodore Brunner of the United States (16-21, 21-17 and 15-7).
(Embacuba Austria / Granma)