Amazing matches kicked off the Badminton competition at XVIII Pan Am Games 2019, held in Lima, Peru, with participation of the best athletes from 22 countries of our region.
Check here Schedule and Results.
The first rounds of Singles and Mixed Doubles were played and now we prepare to enjoy the best games in Doubles.
The first day started with the Men’s Singles matches, in which Kyle Seixas (PAN) got the first victory of the championship, unfortunately he could not overcome Cristian Araya (CHI) in next round.
“It was a complicated game but we were able to push it forward. The nerves attacked me, I felt a little pressure but I could win the match. Now I want to put some ice on my legs, try to concentrate for the next game and enjoy”, refered Seixas after his first match.
Pan Am ranked N1, Ygor Coelho (BRA) had a tough match against Uriel Canjura (ESA) but won by 21-19 and 21-11.
“Uriel is a very strong opponent, he is a promise, and I used my experience to win this game. For the next game I have to start better and be more constant. I feel confident that I can continue moving towards the gold medal”, refered Coelho after the match.
Canada’s Jason Ho-Shue also started the tournament with a victory. He defeated William Cabrera (DOM) in two games and tomorrow will face Francielton Farias (BRA).
“I always try to be focused and do my best. My goal for this tournament is the same as for all tournaments, to get the gold medal. The Canadian team is very strong this year, my teammates are doing very well, and I hope to get the gold medal in Singles and Doubles”, said Jason after his victory.
Also, Olympic athletes Kevin Cordon, Osleni Guerrero, Lino Muñoz and Brian Yang got victories and are looking for the gold.
In Women’s Singles we saw the very first participation of Bolivia and Colombia in Badminton competition at Pan Am Games.
Juanita Siviora from Bolivia said: “I am very happy because it is the first time that the Bolivian badminton is in a Pan American Games. I dedicate my participation to all my relatives, to God, to the authorities for supporting us and to Peru for receiving us with open arms.”
Meanwhile, Juliana Giraldo (COL) refered that “”I am very happy despite the defeat because I was able to play very well. I was very excited when I could get close to the scoreboard but I got a little desperate and lost the points. I will improve that with the experience. I dedicate my participation to my parents because they have supported me so much. I am here thanks to them and to my coach who have joined forces to get where we are now.”
Seeded 1 Michelle Li (CAN) and olympian Iris Wang got their first victories in the tournament and advanced comfortably to the next round.
Also, locals Daniela Macias and Ines Castillo won during this first day and will look for add a new victory for Peru.
Tomorrow we will enjoy exciting matches with the start of Doubles matches.
Badminton Competition at Pan Am Games 2019 will be held from July 29 to August 2 at Sport Center 3 of the National Sport Village in San Luis, Lima, Peru.
Let’s all play badminton!!!
