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The Cuban duo composed of Noslen Díaz and Jorge Luis Alayo delivered another memorable performance this Sunday by defeating the Dutch pair Stefan Boermans and Yorick De Groot 2-1 in the semifinals, securing the silver medal and their spot in the fight for the title of the prestigious beach volleyball Élite 16 tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
After losing the first set (15-21), the islanders responded with composure and precision to level the score at 21-18 and dominated a thrilling third set 19-17. Their victory places them in the grand final, where they will face the Qatari duo Cherif/Ahmed, according to the official site Cubadebate.
The ranking comes just a day after Díaz and Alayo staged a historic comeback against the world number ones, the Norwegians Anders Mol and Christian Sørum, with sets of 23-21, 19-21, and 15-5. This victory not only shook the 2025 world circuit but also reaffirmed the Cuban duo as one of the most competitive teams at the moment.
This will be the second final for Élite 16 this year for the Cubans, 182 days after their title in Quintana Roo, Mexico, a milestone that marked their rise in the international ranking, as noted on Facebook by the specialized page CubanSp1ke.
Now, with the World Championship less than two months away, they arrive in Brazil in great form: a strong season in Russia with four titles and several podiums, few technical flaws, and outstanding levels of concentration.
Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, the second Cuban men's duo, Gómez/Veranes, also reached the final of the NORCECA Tour, decisively defeating the Nicaraguans Mora/López 2-0 (21-16, 23-21), avenging their loss from the previous week.
The simultaneous performance of both pairs confirms the excellent moment of Cuban beach volleyball, which is experiencing one of its most successful stages on the international circuit.
Frequently asked questions about Díaz and Alayo's qualification for the Élite 16 finals in Rio de Janeiro
How did Díaz and Alayo qualify for the final of the Élite 16 in Rio de Janeiro?
Díaz and Alayo defeated the Dutch pair Stefan Boermans and Yorick De Groot with a score of 2-1, thus securing their place in the final of the prestigious Élite 16 beach volleyball tournament in Rio de Janeiro.
Who will Díaz and Alayo be playing against in the Elite 16 final?
The Cuban couple will face the Qatari team composed of Cherif and Ahmed in the final of the Élite 16 in Rio de Janeiro, according to the official site Cubadebate.
What has been the performance of Díaz and Alayo in 2025 before reaching the final in Rio de Janeiro?
The Cuban duo has had a successful season in 2025, including a title in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and a strong performance in the Russian League with four titles and several podium finishes. Additionally, they have achieved notable victories in Brazil and Switzerland, solidifying their status as one of the most competitive pairs on the international circuit.
What other recent achievements have the Cuban beach volleyball pairs obtained?
In addition to Díaz and Alayo's qualification for the Élite 16 final, the second Cuban men's duo, Gómez/Veranes, also reached the final of the NORCECA Tour, which confirms the remarkable moment of Cuban beach volleyball on an international level.
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