Related videos:
The Cuban beach volleyball players Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo were crowned champions this Sunday of the 2025 Victoria Cup, held in Minsk, Belarus, thus consolidating their dominance in competitions in Eurasian territories.
The Caribbean duo confidently defeated the pair from Club Dínamo, composed of Nikita Lyamin and Taras Gusev, with scores of 21-18 and 21-12, according to the digital site JIT.
A flawless path to the crown
Díaz and Alayo arrived undefeated at the final after overcoming the Russians Oleg Stoyanovsky and Ilya Leshukov in a closely contested semifinal match decided in a tie break, with scores of 23-21, 12-21, and 15-10.
That duo was the one that put up the greatest resistance against the Cubans, who until then had an unfavorable record of one victory and two defeats against them in the 2025 Russian Beach Volleyball League. However, the Antilleans turned the tide with a key victory.
Stoyanovsky boasts a world gold medal (2019) and an Olympic silver in Tokyo 2020, while Leshukov has earned medals in the World Pro Tour (2018 and 2019) and a European silver in 2019.
Dominance over Russian rivals
In the quarter-finals, the Cubans defeated Dmitry Veretyuk and Fedor Sabaev from the Obninsk club with a score of 2-0 (21-19, 21-17), a team they had also previously overcome in three matches of the Russian league.
Earlier, in the group stage, they had also defeated the Russian pairs Myskiv/Sivolap (21-18, 21-15) and Ivanov/Arkhipov (21-17, 21-16) in straight sets, both of whom had already fallen to the Antilleans in previous tournaments.
Upcoming challenges
After this victory in the Victoria Cup —jointly organized by Russia and Belarus— Francisco Álvarez Cutiño's team will compete next weekend in the grand final of the Russian League.
The main objective for Díaz and Alayo in 2025 will be the World Championship in Adelaide, Australia, scheduled from November 14 to 23.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz and Alayo's Victory in the 2025 Victoria Cup
How did Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo win the 2025 Victoria Cup?
Díaz and Alayo triumphed effortlessly over the Dínamo club pair, Nikita Lyamin and Taras Gusev, with set scores of 21-18 and 21-12. They reached the final undefeated after defeating the Russians Oleg Stoyanovsky and Ilya Leshukov in a tightly contested semifinal match.
What is the history of Díaz and Alayo in the 2025 Russian Beach Volleyball League?
During the 2025 Russian Beach Volleyball League, Díaz and Alayo have won several titles, including the Open tournaments in Moscow, Barnaul, and Sakhalin. They have also secured a silver medal at the Russian Cup in St. Petersburg and a bronze in Novy Urengoy.
What challenges do Díaz and Alayo face in the near future?
The main goal for Díaz and Alayo in 2025 is the World Championship in Adelaide, Australia, which will take place from November 14 to 23. Before that, they will compete in the grand final of the Russian League and in the Elite 16 of the World Pro Tour in Hamburg.
How has the Cuban duo performed in international competitions in 2025?
In 2025, Díaz and Alayo have had a successful year, shining with a gold medal at the Élite 16 in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and achieving other significant results in Brazil, Switzerland, and the Russian League. Their performance in international tournaments has been remarkable, establishing themselves as the top duo in Cuban beach volleyball.
Filed under: