Havana Times

Cuba Finishes 2nd in Volleyball Cup

By Circles Robinson

Team Cuba captain, Robertlandy Simon.
Team Cuba captain, Robertlandy Simon.

HAVANA TIMES, Nov. 24 – Brazil repeated as the winner of the FIVB Men’s World Grand Champions Volleyball Cup on Monday, going undefeated in five games of round robin play in Nagoya, Japan.  Cuba was a close second with a 4-1 record losing its only match in five sets to the South Americans.

Cuba’s runner-up status was its best showing since winning the 2001 Cup.  The islander’s defeated Iran three sets to one (25-14, 25-22, 15-25, 25-15) on the final day of play.

On the final day of the tournament Cuba’s 16-year-old sensation Wilfredo Leon scored 18 points to lead his team.

Brazil finished with a sweep of Japan (25-12, 26-24, 25-22).  The host team finished third ahead of Poland, Iran aned Egypt.

Robertlandy Simon was voted the tournament MVP as well as the Best Spiker and Best Blocker.  Brazils Bruno was voted the Best Setter and Sergio the Best Libero.  The Best Scorer went to K. Shimizu of Japan.