In a thrilling turn of events at the 2025 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour’s Veracruz Challenge, Mexican underdogs Antonio Lares and Carlos Andres Ayala stunned the crowd by defeating the higher-seeded Canadian team of Samuel Schachter and Jonathan Pickett. The duo, seeded 29th, pulled off a remarkable comeback to win 2-1 (18-21, 21-18, 15-10) in the opening round of the men’s main draw.
With local fans behind them, Lares delivered a standout performance, contributing 25 points, including eight kill blocks and a crucial ace. Their unexpected victory not only electrified the atmosphere but also secured them a spot in the knockout stage.
What’s Next for Lares and Ayala
In their next Pool D matchup, Lares and Ayala will face Spain's Alejandro Huerta and Adrian Gavira. The Spanish team opened their campaign with a straight-sets win over England’s Joaquin and Javier Bello. The victor of this upcoming duel will finish first in the group and advance directly to the round of 16.
Other Tournament Highlights
- Swiss pair Yves Haussener and Julian Friedli claimed a tight win over compatriots Adrian Heidrich and Jonathan Jordan.
- Top-seeded Americans Miles Evans and Chase Budinger showcased a dominating performance.
- Brazil’s third-seeded George Wanderley and Saymon Barbosa also made a strong impression in their opening match.
Upcoming Matches
Pool play resumes on Friday at 09:00 local time, with all teams vying for group supremacy to secure an easier path to the elimination rounds.
For more details, match schedules, and updates, visit the official coverage on the Volleyball World website.
