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After an impressive streak of nine consecutive victories, the Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo concluded their journey at the third stop of the Elite Pro Tour of Beach Volleyball 2025 with a commendable fifth place, after losing in the quarter-finals to the Olympic champions David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig from Sweden.
The match was a genuine battle of power and technique, with a very tight first set (25-23) and a second set more decidedly in favor of the Scandinavians (21-16), according to the site JIT.
The Cuban duo, who had just secured gold in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and had dominated in the previous rounds of this tournament, never lost hope and once again faced one of the most dominant pairs on the world circuit.
A high-voltage face-off
As in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where the Swedes also halted the Cuban advance, the match was a spectacle. Díaz added 16 points from spikes, while Alayo contributed 15, including two key blocks. But on the other side of the net, Hellvig shined with 18 points and Ahman added 13, in a game where blocking (3-2), serving (1-0), and tactical discipline made a difference.
An undeniable growth
Despite the defeat, the overall balance remains highly positive for the islanders, who have forged their way into the elite level with minimal support and a lot of grit, mostly participating in challenger-level tournaments, where the level of competition is lower and the major world powers usually do not participate.
The six victories achieved in Quintana Roo and the three won in Saquarema before the clash with the Swedes are proof of the qualitative leap this pair has made, which is now listed among the most competitive in the international circuit.
What's coming for Cubans
The next challenge will take place from April 16 to 20 at the elite tournament in Brasilia, where they will aim to stay on the radar of the best. Afterward, they will return home to compete in Varadero during the initial phase of the 2025 Norceca Circuit at the beginning of May.
Alayo and Díaz not only represent the present of Cuban beach volleyball but also its most promising future. And although they did not defeat the champions this time, they made it clear that they are getting closer to the throne.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alayo and Díaz's Performance in the 2025 Elite Beach Volleyball Pro Tour
What was the performance of Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo in the 2025 Elite Beach Volleyball Pro Tour?
After an impressive streak of nine consecutive victories, Díaz and Alayo finished in a commendable fifth position at the third stop of the Elite Pro Tour 2025, after falling in the quarterfinals against the Olympic champions from Sweden, David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig.
What was the result of the match between the Cubans and the Swedish Olympic champions?
The match was a genuine battle, with a very close first set (25-23) and a second set more tilted (21-16) in favor of the Swedes. The Swedish duo, Hellvig and Åhman, ultimately prevailed, marking the elimination of the Cubans in the quarterfinals.
What recent achievements stand out in the careers of Alayo and Díaz in beach volleyball?
Díaz and Alayo won gold at the Elite 16 Tournament in Quintana Roo, showcasing significant progress on the international circuit. This victory adds to their remarkable performance in the third stop of the Elite Pro Tour 2025, where they reached the quarter-finals.
What challenges do Díaz and Alayo face in the near future?
The next challenge for the Cuban duo will be the elite competition in Brasilia from April 16 to 20. Subsequently, they will compete in Varadero in the initial phase of the 2025 Norceca Circuit, at the beginning of May, aiming to establish themselves among the best pairs in the world circuit.
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