TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 13,2004,- The Men’s Central American Tournament started on Sunday and could not be better for the Honduran host team.

The locals defeated Nicaragua 3-2 and now are ready to take on Belize who lost to Nicaragua in their first match against Costa Rica.

The Central American is in terrific shape and the Gymnasium 2 of the Olympic Village was lights on with the volley. Is was a big party and the fans enjoyed a great show.

Honduras showed a great dose of character and won its game. The players elected to open the show were Felix Sabio, Luis Salgado, Conrado Fiallo, Jose Martínez, Alejandro Jeffs and Mario Palma along with libero Marcial Avila and the rest of the team.

All the teams showed their best face. El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Nicaragua and Honduras are aiming toward one and only objective: To win the XIII Cup and obtain a ticket to the Central American and Caribbean Games.

The Costa Rica’s selection surprised everyone winning their first match 3-0 (25-22, 25-14 y 25-22) over Belize During the three sets, the Costa Rican team looked very secure since the start and gave no breaks for a Belize’s comeback.

More equalled was the second match of the day. Guatemala and El Salvador showed they know each other very well.

The Guatemalans opened the scoreboard and took good care of their rivals throughout the match winning by score of 3-1.

The tournament continues today starting at 2 p.m. and the three matches will make better definition of the standings.

Costa Rica go against El Salvador, then Panama make its debut playing Nicaragua and Honduras will meet Belize in the nightcap.