Cuba 2-1 in Grand Volleyball Cup

By Circles Robinson

HAVANA TIMES, Nov. 22 – The Cuban Men’s Volleyball Team defeated Egypt three sets to two (25-17, 23-25, 25-14, 23-25 y 15-7) on Saturday and is now in third place with a 2-1 record in the six-team Gran Champion’s Cup being played in Japan.

In their other round robin matches the Cubans lost a three set to two cliff hanger to Brazil and then beat the tough Poland three to one.  On Sunday, the Cubans face Japan.

Going into today’s match-ups, Brazil and Japan lead the prestigious tournament with identical 3-0 records followed by Cuba 2-1, Iran 1-2, and Egypt and Poland surprisingly in last 0-3.

Against Egypt Cuba’s top scorers were captain Roberlandy Simon and corner spiker Michael Sanchez with 18, Wilfredo Leon had 17 and Osmany Camejo with 10.

The Men’s World Grand Champions Cup is played every four years.  In its four previous editions Brazil has won twice (1997, 2005), Italy (1993), Cuba (2001).

In this year’s Women’s World Grand Champion Cup Italy finished on top followed by Brazil and the Dominican Republic.  The Cuban team did not qualify for the event.