Mexican team can’t wait for 3×3 World University League Finals

Uni teams from Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile & Colombia to represent Americas

Bryan Antonio Rivera of CEU MexicoWith less than a month to go for the 3×3 FISU World University League Finals, excitement is building up! The best university teams from around the world are in full preparation mode ahead of the tournament in Xiamen, China, from 15-18 November 2018. These 32 teams – 16 each in the men’s and women’s fields – have earned the honour of representing their continents after coming through tough continental qualifying tournaments.

Bryan Antonio Rivera from Centre of University Studies (CEU) Mexico considers the tournament to be a World Cup of sorts for University teams and can barely contain his excitement.

“We are really excited to compete in the World Cup,” he tells FISU. “That too, across in the other side of the world. We will give our best effort for a place on the podium.”

“It is an incredible experience that any athlete would love to have,” he continues. “It has been a long process to get to the Finals, from the elimination stages of our country going through to the Pan American Qualifying Tournament in El Salvador.”

The Qualifying Tournament, held earlier in June this year, saw Bryan’s team top the standings. Along with teammates Eduardo Alejandro, Jorge Andres and Luis C, the men’s team from CEU won 5 out of 6 games played and virtually dominated competition. They lost their first game to University of Costa Rica but beat them when they clashed again in the final.

“We managed to improve our game,” Bryan says of their progress in the Qualifying Tournament. “We were really motivated to reach the World Cup and were really happy to win the Pan American tournament in El Salvador.”

University of Costa Rica 3×3 team“The level of competition in these international tournaments is extremely high,” he says, but also admits that there are many other excellent reasons to participate. “These events are unique – the organization is very good and the countries where these events are hosted are rich in culture, adding to our experience as competitors. We get to know more about all these beautiful countries, while living out our passion. It’s great!”
 

The University of Costa Rica that finished second had an equally good Qualifying Tournament. They too, lost just one game – the final, to CEU Mexico. The team comprising Ryan Allen Masis, Francisco Sequiera Murillo, Carlos Pereira Calvo and Jaime Goldenberg Mora is looking forward to taking on the world’s best in Xiamen, guided by coach Roy Pereira.

Women’s teams that will represent the Americas in the World Finals are from the University of Chile and the National University of Colombia. Next week, get to know more about the teams from Europe and mark the dates 15-18 November!