2006 World Championships   More World Championship news       Tournament info: Puerto Rico

Mexico and Puerto Rico join USA with two wins

Caguas, Puerto Rico, August 24, 2005 – With the top four sides advancing to the semifinals, Mexico and Puerto Rico joined USA at the top of the five-team table after collecting their second victories on the third day of the NORCECA D second round tournament on Wednesday. Mexico beat Barbados 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-21) while Puerto Rico beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-17).

Puerto Rico now have two wins from three matches and finish their pool play with a match against Mexico on Thursday, while Mexico, who have two wins from as many matches, must also play USA on the final day on Friday.

USA, who had the bye on Wednesday, play Barbados, who have yet to record a win in two matches, on Thursday.

Guatemala, who have failed to win any of their first three matches, have the bye on Thursday before playing Barbados on the final day.

The top four teams at the conclusion of pool play advance to the tournament semifinals on Aug. 27. The WCQT third-place and championship matches will be on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Canada and Cuba secured the first two NORCECA slots for the World Championships at the “NORCECA E” World Championship Qualification Tournament in Havana on Sunday, Aug. 21.

In all, 24 teams will compete at the 2006 World Championships from Nov. 16-Dec. 3 – nine from Europe, five from Asia, four from NORCECA, two from Africa, two from South America, the host team (Japan) and the 2002 champion (Brazil).