Volleyball New Zealand has qualified for the Men’s U-19 World Beach Championships after Sunday’s final day at the Asian Championships in Roi et, Thailand.
In the Men’s event, Poirewa Aotearoa have earned a place in the main draw of the World Championships in China later this year via the 21-7, 21-18 playoff victory of Thomas Vesty and Davi Pacheco over Adam/Low of Malaysia.
The pair finish the Asian Championships in fifth place having been seeded 23rd for the beginning of the competition, topping their pool before reaching the quarter-final stage. The result is tied for the best-ever Aotearoa finish at the event, equalling the 2016 effort of Greg Vukets and Daniel Kilpatrick.
Pacheco says he and Vesty are thrilled with what was accomplished in Thailand and the support from the team and coaches was pivotal in challenging conditions.
“[We are] very proud of our work here and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us,” Pachecho said.
“I’m glad we came a week early to prepare and get used to the heat, food and environment. Most of us got sick in the first week so it was good to get it out of the way before the tournament.
“I want to thank all the other athletes on this trip for making it such an incredible experience. I’m extremely proud of all of us and what we have achieved here.
“Also, a huge thank you to Luis for helping us achieve the things we have and for having our backs the whole time, even when things were toughest. Massive thanks to the women’s coach, Liz, for helping us out too. Both Luis and the boys are really thankful for her support.”
Men’s U-19 Coach Luis Paulo Santana noted the preparation of the group was critical in setting a platform for the performance of the team.
“I could not be more proud of how hard all four boys worked prior the trip and through the event,” Santana said.
“We had the best environment training in Bangkok to get used to the heat and they adapted to the food and the different time schedules.
“Davi and Tom in particular put in an exceptional performance being seeded 23rd in the tournament and finishing fifth. As we head home, we will start to focus on the World Championships in China.
On the women’s side, Emma Mason and Kaia Buckley finished in a tie for 9th place, earning a place for New Zealand in the qualification event for the World Championships while Morgan Lee and Devyn Golaboski finished in a tie for 17th position.
U-19 Asian Beach Championships 2024
Roi et, Thailand
Men’s:
- 5th place – Davi Pacheco/Thomas Vesty
- 9th equal – Nathan Davies/Liam Smith
Women’s
- 9th equal – Emma Mason/Kaia Buckley
- 17th equal – Morgan Lee/Devyn Golaboski
