Cubans González / Díaz retain the crown

Sergio González and Nivaldo Díaz, from Cuba, managed to straighten out a complicated encounter and based on a good block they won in an exciting final 23-21, 18-21, 15-13 to Lombardo Ontiveros/Juan Virgen, from Mexico, in the final of the men's beach volleyball of the XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games Barranquilla 2018.

It is the second consecutive title of González/Díaz, and Cuba's fourth gold medal in beach volleyball in the Central American and Caribbean Games, while Mexico is left with four silver medals.

Gonzalez/Diaz won the first set against a demanding Mexico, who in the second after being tied at 13, took advantage with two blocks of Virgin and two Ontiveros attacks, who also delighted the fans with two high-level defensive actions.

In the third set both teams maintained the parity to 3 points, but Cuba took control with blocks of Gonzalez and Diaz showing an impressive defense that raised the applause of the attendees.

Big defensive plays and some rallies adorned a great final at the Puerta de Oro Events Center.

Sergio Gonzalez pointed out that "this was the goal of this year and we got it, it was a demanding game, I failed in complex 1 (reception), but my partner at all times gave me encouragement, and that encouraged me."

Nivaldo said that "it really was a demanding game, we failed on both sides due to the pressure. We were confident of our ability and things went quite well. I think the audience enjoyed it, there were good rallies and a lot of intensity in the game. "

"We respect Mexico a lot, it's a great team, but we get the best out of us", added Nivaldo.

Johan Murray/Jorge Luis Manjarres, of Colombia, won the bronze medal by defeating 21-18, 21-19 the Venezuelan duo Carlos Rangel/José Gómez.

Encouraged by their fans, the Colombians took the initiative all the game, although Rangel/Gómez pressed in the block, they could not before the advantage that the locals took in the middle of the set.

Final positions

1.- Cuba 2.- MEX 3.- COL 4.- VEN 5.- NCA 6.- CRC 7.-GUA 8.- TTO 9.- PUR 10.- SKN 11.- DOM 12.- CUR 13. - ESA 14.- BAR 15.- JAM 16.- SOUTH 17.- LCA 18.- HON 19.- DMA 20.- CAY 21.- HAI 22.- ISV.

Cubanas Deliz/Martínez win the gold of Barranquilla

The Cuban Mailen Deliz/Leila Martinez, won the gold medal of the beach volleyball women's tournament of the XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games Barranquilla 2018, after winning 21-8, 21-14 to Colombians Yuli Ayala/Diana Ríos.

Despite having the support of its fans that filled the Puerta de Oro Events Center, the Colombian duo failed to find the key to the Cuban game, who get their third gold medal, tied with Mexico as top monarchs.

For Martinez iit is his second golden medal, since he was crowned four years ago in Veracruz, Mexico. "We dedicate it to all the people who supported us and helped us prepare for these Games. I thank God for this medal, it was thanks a lot of sacrifice".

Díaz said that "this medal was missing from the Cuban delegation, it is for all our partner. It's special because we train for this, we give ourselves fully and here's the result. "

Norisbeth Agudo/Gabriela Brito, from Venezuela, won the bronze medal by beating 21-12, 21-9 to Puerto Rico, with Allanis Navas/María González.