ACAPULCO, Mexico – Justin Benjamin of Illinois went 2-0 in his group competition at 70 kg on the opening day of the Acapulco Beach World Series at Scala Ocean Club in Acapulco, Mexico on Saturday.

Benjamin beat Jose Varela Garcia of Guatemala, 3-0, then pinned American Mike Clark in 25 seconds in Group A. Benjamin has one more group match on Sunday morning against Julian Horta Acevedo of Colombia.

If Benjamin places in the top two of his four-athlete group, he will advance to the semifinals at his weight class.

Benjamin was ninth at 70 kg in the 2023 Beach World Series. Benjamin was also third at the 2023 U.S. Beach National Championships.

The U.S. has a four-athlete team competing in the event, and two others were able to pick up one win on the first day, 2023 Beach World Series bronze medalist Ty Loethen of Missouri at 80 kg and Kyle Ferriter of Colorado at Over 90 kg.

Loethen finished 1-2 in his five-athlete round robin. He has one more match on Sunday against David Elias Choc Huoc of Guatemala, and still has a chance to win a medal.

Ferriter went 1-1 in Group B and still has Jonovan Smith of Puerto Rico in his group competition on Saturday. Ferriter is still in contention for a place in the semifinals later on Sunday.

This is the first stop of the five-event UWW Beach World Series for the 2024 year.

The USA did not have any women entries in this competition.

Acapulco Beach World Series results

ACAPULCO BEACH WORLD SERIES

At Acapulco, Mexico, March 2

U.S. men’s Beach performances

70 kg: Justin Benjamin, St. Charles, Ill.

WIN Jose Varela Garcia (Guatemala), 3-0, 1:43

WIN Mike Clark (USA), pin 0:25

Vs. Julian Horta Acevedo (Colombia)

70 kg: Mike Clark, Louisville, Ky.

LOSS Julian Horta Acevedo (Colombia), 3-0, 1:14

LOSS Justin Benjamin (USA), pin 0:25

Vs. Jose Varela Garcia (Guatemala)

80 kg: Ty Loethen, Columbia, Mo.

LOSS Jonathan Ender Viruet (Puerto Rico), 3-0, 2:16

WIN Cesar Ramirez Castillo (Mexico), fall 0:08

LOSS Victor Hernandez Luna (Mexico), 2-1

Vs. David Elias Choc Huoc (Guatemala)

Over 90 kg: Kyle Ferriter, Colorado Springs, Colo.

LOSS Adames Garcia Elison (Dominican Republic), pin 2:28

WIN Eduardo Garcia Betanzos (Mexico), 3-2, 2:51

Vs. Jonovan Smith (Puerto Rico)

Benjamin unbeaten on day one of Acapulco Beach World Series; Loethen, Ferriter get a win

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