Monday, October 30th.- Chilean judoka Thomas Briceño defeated Brazilian Kayo Santos on Monday, securing a spot in the final of the judo competition in the -100 kg category at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. He will compete for the gold medal in a match scheduled for this afternoon at 3:40 p.m. at the Centro de Deportes de Contacto. 

In the final, Briceño will face Canadian Shady Elnahas, who defeated American Nathaniel Keeve in the quarter-finals and Brazilian Leonardo Goncalves in the semi-finals. 

After several minutes of combat between Santos and the Chilean judoka, the local athlete won by ippon, securing a 10-0 victory and earning the opportunity to compete for the gold medal. 

It's worth noting that Thomas Briceño won the gold medal at the previous Pan American Games at Lima 2019. 

"I'm very happy to achieve the first goal against tough opponents. The idea is to defend the title of Pan American champion. We're in Chile, and as I love competing here with my daughter, my wife, and my friends, all I want is to win here," Briceño expressed after the match. 

He also provided insight into his upcoming match against Canadian Elnahas: "I faced the opponent in the final four years ago, and I won, but both of us have changed a lot." 

Written by Marcelo González y Arturo Hernández; translated by Pía Barriga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Ph: Alex Diaz / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport