LUANCO, June 20, 2025
“Splendor on the Sand” (Esplendor en la arena), a new book by journalist Mario Díaz Braña, has officially been presented and is now on sale. The 232-page work chronicles the history of the BDO Luanco Beach Tennis Tournament, from its inception in 1971 to the present day. Divided into four chapters, the book details the tournament’s three distinct eras, including its interruptions from 1986 to 1994 and again from 2014 to 2021. It also features a foreword by José López Viña, current secretary of the Luanco Tennis Club.
The book concludes with a gallery highlighting all 37 tournament champions, as well as other notable players who have graced the iconic La Ribera beach court. The presentation was held at the Maritime Museum of Asturias in Luanco.
During the event, author Mario Díaz Braña emphasized that the book seeks to do justice to a one-of-a-kind sporting event played directly on the sand of La Ribera beach. He expressed gratitude to the Luanco Tennis Club for its financial support and to the mayor of Gozón, Jorge Suárez, for his consistent backing of the tournament. Reflecting on his own connection to the event, Díaz Braña recalled a photograph taken with Juan Avendaño and friends after Avendaño, the tournament’s most decorated player, won the title at just 13 years old. He also acknowledged the contributions of José Fernández Diego and José Manuel Fernández, two key figures from the tournament’s early days who provided valuable data, photos, and anecdotes for the book.
Mayor Jorge Suárez reiterated his commitment to the tournament, describing it as “an important event for Luanco.” He expressed hope that the current third era of the tournament will continue indefinitely.
José López Viña, who authored the book’s foreword and serves as secretary of the organizing committee, praised the publication’s quality and the passion with which it was created. “Mario Díaz Braña is not only one of the best chroniclers of the Luanco Beach Tennis Tournament but also deeply understands the philosophy and values that have guided its organizers across different eras,” he noted. “The story isn’t over yet, so we hope that in the future Mario will have to write a second edition, chronicling the continuation of this third era, which will soon see its next chapter unfold from August 4–7, when international tennis stars return to Luanco.”
About the Author: Mario Díaz Braña
Mario Díaz Braña earned his journalism degree from the Complutense University of Madrid. He worked at La Voz de Asturias from 1983 to 1990 and at La Nueva España from 1990 until 2022. He also served as Asturias correspondent for El País and El Correo Español – El Pueblo Vasco. His work on the golden era of Sporting Gijón earned him a journalism award from La Liga. From 1995 to 2022, he was the communications director for the Luanco Beach Tennis Tournament.
Where to Buy the Book
Splendor on the Sand is now available at the Maritime Museum of Asturias in Luanco, as well as local bookstores including Librería María (Chona) on Conde del Real Agrado Street, Cabo Peñas on González Llanos Street, and Pi-Pu on San Roque Street. In Oviedo, it can be purchased at Librería Cervantes on Doctor Casal Street, or ordered online from the Librería Cervantes website for worldwide shipping. Copies will also be available for purchase at La Ribera Beach during the upcoming XXXVIII edition of the BDO Luanco Beach Tennis Tournament, taking place from August 4 to 7.
A Moment of Silence for Toño Caballero
Before the book presentation, a minute of silence was observed in memory of Manuel Antonio Suárez Caballero, affectionately known as Toño Caballero, a beloved member of the Luanco Tennis Club who recently passed away.
