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

Puerto Rico and USA top table

Caguas, Puerto Rico, August 25, 2005 – USA used a balanced attack to defeat Barbados in straight sets while Puerto Rico handed Mexico their first defeat on the fourth day of the 2006 Men’s World Championship second round tournament (NORCECA D) on Thursday. USA beat Barbados 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-13) while Puerto Rico beat Mexico 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 26-24).

David Lee and Dave McKienzie each scored a team-high eight points as the United States improved to 3-0 at the five-team tournament. In all, nine players scored at least four points or more for Team USA in the victory, the third-straight sweep for the squad.

The top two finishers in the tournament featuring Barbados, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States will advance to the final round of the 2006 World Championships as members of the NORCECA zone.

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

The United States conclude pool play against Mexico on Friday, while Guatemala and Barbados, who have both yet to win a match, will play in the earlier match to decide who will claim the fourth semifinal spot. Puerto Rico, who have won three out of four matches, have the bye.

Canada and Cuba secured the first two NORCECA slots for the World Championships at the “NORCECA E” World Championship second round 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).