Baxter, Dooner rule Marianas Cup

American pro Paul Baxter became the first player to win the men’s division crown three years in a row after ruling the 17th Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Festival with amateur partner Hugo Dooner last Sunday at the Pacific Islands Club.

Baxter and Dooner defeated the tandem of Olympic gold medalist Phil Dalhausser and Tyce Mister, 21-15, in the finals.

It was the second time Baxter and Dooner defeated Dalhausser and Mister in the tournament. They also prevailed in the winners’ bracket, 21-19.

“Some people can elevate their game,” Baxter said when asked if he was ever intimidated by 6’9” Dalhausser’s presence in the tournament.

Baxter said the event is getting stronger each year and promised to come back next year.

“There were really good teams this year. Me and Hugo just met this week and we have lots of fun and learned a lot,” Baxter.

Dooner won his second title following his triumph 15 years ago when he partnered with Mister in the 1994 edition.

“I want to come back next year and hopefully play alongside Paul. But it will depend on the draw,” said the 39-year-old San Diego, California native who works at HSBC.

Dooner plays beach volleyball with friends purely for fun back home.
He said he’s at a different level whenever he plays on Saipan.

Baxter and Dooner, who split the $4,000 top purse, were undefeated in five straight games in two days. They started their victory run with a 21-4 win against Peter Valdez and Dan Westphal, then 21-19 over eventual third placers Shinya Inoue and Shoji Wakiya of Japan. They also beat Jeff Carlucci and Cris Nelson, 21-19.

Baxter and Dooner took the first finals berth with their first win against the Dalhausser-Mister tandem, who pocketed $2,500 for finishing second.

Dalhausser and Mister defeated Larry Sharry and Jazz Roscow, 21-10. The pro-am duo also prevailed against Yauso Nakaya and Bruce Berline, 21-15; and over Shigekazu Fujimatsu and Daisuke Matsumoto, 21-19.

After their loss to Baxter and Dooner, Dalhausser and Mister won against Inoue and Wakiya, 21-17, to take the second finals berth.

Wakiya was adjudged as tourney MVP and shared the third place purse of $1,200 with Inoue.

Nelson and Carlucci took home the fourth prize bounty of $600.

There were two teams that split the $300 prize for fifth place. They were the duo of Dave Rillera and Saki Waka and the pair of Matsumoto and Fujimatsu.

During the awards ceremony, all the winners vowed to come back next year.

Dalhausser said it’s always been a great opportunity for him to return to Saipan and join the fun.

“It’s awesome. It’s a big possibility to come back,” said Dalhausser, who brought his Olympic gold medal and gave the other athletes the chance to see and touch it.

“I may not have the trophy but I have this real gold with me. If you want to touch it, make sure you wash your hands,” he joked.

Carlucci said it has always been a unique experience for all the athletes with a chance for a vacation as well as the friendly competition.