Wednesday, October 25, 2023.- Bolivia and Canada will compete in the racquetball team final at Santiago 2023, after both teams advanced through their respective semifinal matches against the United States and Mexico.

The Canadian team produced an upset victory over the Mexican team and sought revenge for their loss in the male's doubles gold medal match.

Mexico claimed the first point in the series with Eduardo Portillo defeating Coby Iwassa in straight sets (3-0). In the male's doubles match, the Canadian team of Samuel Murray and Iwassa began to strengthen their position, defeating Rodrigo Montoya and Javier Mara with a score of 11-6, 11-7, and 11-4, leveling the series.

The crucial point came from Samuel Murray, who defeated Rodrigo Montoya 3-1 in a match where he maintained control throughout. Murray said, "It was a kind of redemption for the final on Tuesday. I found that we could play better, and we showed that as a team. Personally, I try to give my best."

Since racquetball's debut in Mar del Plata in 1995, the Canadian team has reached ten finals, including this one, but they have yet to secure the gold medal.

On the other hand, the world's number one player, Conrrado Moscoso, had to work hard to put Bolivia in contention for another gold medal. He was pushed to the fifth set by American Daniel de La Rosa (11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, and 11-6) in the third and decisive point.

"It was a very close match, and it was tough to pull it off. We want to seize this opportunity to repeat what we did in Lima," said an exhausted Conrrado Moscoso, who had lost in doubles with Karin Carrasco by 3-2 (against Daniel de La Rosa and Alejandro Landa). The first point in the series was secured by Carlos Keller, who won 3-0 against Adam Manilla.

Bolivia will aim to retain the gold against Canada, "a very strong rival that has always been a tough challenge for us whenever we've faced them. We're approaching the match with the right attitude," said Moscoso.

The male’s team final will begin at 11:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, the 26th, at the Centro de Raquetas del Estadio Nacional.

Written by Alex Savoy; translated by Andrés Castro / Santiago 2023 via Photosport
Photo: Felipe Quintana / Santiago 2023 via Photosport