Monday, November 20th, 2023.- The afternoon session on Monday, November 20, in boccia at the Comunitario Lo Espejo Sports Center marked the qualification for the semifinals of Santiago 2023 for representatives from Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Canada in the different classes of the competition. 

In the BC4 category (players with non-cerebral disabilities that also affect their coordination), the Colombian Euclides Grisales, ranked number two in the world, defeated the Canadian Marco Dispaltro 7-1 and earned a spot in the semifinals. 

In the same category, Edilson Chica, also from Colombia, upheld his ranking (6th in the world) to win without complications (8-3) against the American Nick Teylor, earning the right to be among the top four. The two Colombian semifinalists await opponents, who will emerge from the playoffs held on Tuesday, November 21. 

"I am very happy to represent my country and achieve the objectives. It is very satisfying that we are advancing with my compatriot (Euclides Grisales); hopefully, both of us can compete for the gold," commented the Colombian Chica after securing his place in the semifinals. 

In the BC4 women's category, the Chilean Alfonsina Urrejola (who won her morning match) will play in the playoffs (Tuesday, November 21, at 10:40 a.m.) against the Brazilian Josiane Batista, while the Peruvian Jenny Quispe will face Karla Manuel from Mexico. 

The BC2 Men's category was marked by the appearance of Maciel de Sousa from Brazil, the second-ranked player in America and one of the favorites to win the gold medal in these Parapan American Games. The Brazilian won a close match against the Argentine Jonatan Aquino by 3-2 and thus obtained a direct pass to the semifinals. He now awaits the winner of the playoffs between the Mexican Dubier Paredes and the Argentine Luis Cristaldo. 

In the other BC2 bracket, the Canadian Danik Allard caused a major upset and reached the semifinals by defeating (7-2) the number one in America, Luis Cristaldo from Argentina, who will have to seek advancement through the playoffs. The Canadian awaits his opponent, who will emerge from the other bracket between Salvadoran Mario Sayes and Brazilian Luri Saraiva. 

The BC2 women will conclude their group stage on Tuesday, November 21, to determine their semifinalists. 

Players in the BC2 category have better trunk, arm, and hand function, which often allows them to throw the boccia with a variety of grips, both overhand and underhand. 

In the BC3 category, the Chilean Javiera Quintriqueo defeated the Guatemalan Eimy Losley 9-0 and will play on Tuesday, November 21, for a chance to enter the semifinals. 

In other results in this category, the Colombian María del Mar Vélez won the tie-break (5-5) against the Brazilian Evani Calado and reached the semifinals. With the same prize of reaching the top four, María Pancca from Peru defeated the American Natalie Chastain 9-1; the Argentine Stefania Ferrando won 5-4 against Niurka Callupe from Peru, and the big favorite, Evelyn Vieira De Oliveira, beat Joëlle Guérette from Canada 8-1. 

Athletes in the BC3 class have significant limitations in arm and leg function and limited or no trunk control. They cannot grasp or release the boccia solidly and cannot consistently push the boccia into the playing field. They are allowed to use a ramp with the help of a sports assistant. 

In the BC1 category (severe limitation in activity affecting legs, arms, and trunk, commonly relying on an electric wheelchair), those who secured direct qualification for the semifinals in the morning matches were Omar Hayward from Bermuda, who will face Lance Cryderman from Canada. Meanwhile, Eduardo Sánchez from Mexico will play against José Chagas from Brazil (there are no playoffs in this class). 

Medal winners in boccia qualify for the Paris 2024 Parapan American Games. 


Written by Marcelo López-Rodrigo Parragué; translated by Pauette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Pablo Bigorra / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport