Friday, November 17th, 2023.- Chile secured its third medal in para table tennis at the 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games with Tamara Leonelli's third victory in the female's singles, class 4-5. The 26-year-old specialist defeated Valerie Rolph from the United States, allowing her to top Group B, move on to the semifinals, and confirm her place on the podium in the discipline.

The Team Chile flag bearer defeated the North American representative in three sets with scores of 11-5, 11-6, and 11-3, in thirteen minutes. She became the third member of the host team to secure a medal in the table tennis arena at the Centro Deportivo Olímpico on the second day of the competition.

Leonelli claimed her third victory against Rolph, confirming her good form after initially defeating Argentinian Nayla Kuell and Salvadorian Josselyn Miranda. The triumph over the American Rolph places her among the top four.

"The first set was more complex and a bit harder because we were still warming up, but I felt very comfortable. I had played against her in June in the United States and won 3-1. It was a tough match. We didn't come overconfident, but we did come with confidence in winning," said the Olympian from Tokyo 2020.

Looking ahead to the semifinals, the Chilean will face the Mexican Martha Verdin. "I know her from the circuit. We go with the same desire and enthusiasm," explained Leonelli, who will be the flag bearer tonight at the opening ceremony of the Games at the Estadio Nacional.

"Now we're going to rest and then to the ceremony. I'm fortunate to be the flag bearer with Vicente (Almonacid), so we are happy and excited because it is an honor for us. I'm going to be just as nervous as in the first match because I know table tennis, but parading, no, ha, ha, ha," she concluded.

Written by Arturo Hernández y Nicolás Olea; translated by Pía Barriga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Javier Salvo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport