The match was tense, featuring as it did two teams that have been rivals since 2006.
The winner was to place in the second bracket of the men’s match play finals earning the right to play for 5th to 8th place. The loser would drop to the third bracket where they would have to compete for 9th to 11th, so there was a lot at stake.
Mike May of Team USA slams a lob across court over the top of team mate John Chun’s head during set 2 of their match against Portugal. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
Ricardo Ribero and Ricardo Soares of Portugal both line up to smash the same ball during match 3. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
Members of Team USA’s women’s squad proudly display American flags to cheer on their team mates, Mike May and John Chun, during their match. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
Two members of the Portuguese women’s squad proudly display their nation’s flag court-side. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
Team USA Captain Francisco Turner’s shoe. Turner, who wore a suit while he coached the Team during their match, gave the event a bit of NBA flair. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
Mike May and John Chun knock fists to celebrate a point. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
One of the Portuguese players argues with head referee Nayra Ramirez during the second play of the match point in set 2. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
Team USA celebrates after securing a victory against Portugal and ascending to bracket 2 of the finals. (Neil Campbell/The Epoch Times)
