Tuesday, october 24nd, 2023.- Chile wasted its last chance for medals in racquetball by being eliminated in the preliminary round of the team competition, both in the female's and male's categories.

In the team competition, the series is won by the team that secures two out of the three available points. The series begins with doubles, followed by singles matches.

Five countries directly advanced to the quarterfinals based on their scores from the initial phase (medals), which determined the order of the team competition. Thus, in the female's category, Mexico, the United States, Bolivia, the Independent Athletes Team, and Argentina had already qualified.

Six other countries were vying for three spots in the preliminary phase, and Costa Rica, who defeated Cuba 2-0, the Dominican Republic, which won 2-1 against Ecuador, and Canada, which defeated Chile 2-1, secured their spots.

The Chilean female team (Paula Mansilla and Carla Muñoz) lost 3-0 in doubles (against Frederic Lambert and Michelle Morrissette). In singles, Carla Muñoz won 3-0 against Michelle Morrissette, while Paula Mansilla couldn't overcome Frederic Lambert (3-0).

The quarter-finals, starting on Wednesday the 25th, will feature Mexico against Canada, the United States against Bolivia, the Independent Athletes Team against Costa Rica, and Argentina against the Dominican Republic.

In the male's category, Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, the United States, Ecuador, and Bolivia directly advanced to the round of the top eight. The Independent Athletes Team, who won 2-0 against Cuba, and Argentina, who defeated Chile 2-1, were competing for a place in that phase.

The Chilean male's doubles (Jaime Mansilla and Rodrigo Salgado) lost 3-2 to the Argentinian pair of Diego García and Fernando Kurzbard. In singles, Jaime Mansilla won 3-1 against Fernando Kurzbard, but the local player Rafael Gatica couldn't overcome Diego García (3-0).

The quarterfinals of the team competition will see Mexico face the Independent Athletes Team, Costa Rica against Canada, the United States against Ecuador, and Bolivia against Argentina.

On Wednesday the 25th, the quarterfinals and semifinals will be played in both the female's and male's categories (starting at 10:00 a.m. local time), and on Thursday, matches will determine the gold and silver medalists.

Written by Marcelo López-Alex Savoy; translated by Rocio Rojas / Photosport
Photo by Diego Alvujar/Santiago 2023 / Photosport