Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.- The Centro Deportivo Comunitario de Lo Espejo became the stage where the Mexican boccia team secured two more medals at Santiago 2023.  

The first to secure a spot in the decisive encounter was Eduardo Sánchez, who defeated the number 1 in the Americas and 5th in the world, José Chagas de Oliveira, by a narrow 4-3 margin in the BC1 category. 

"I was close to losing, but that's how boccia goes. We've prepared well, and I've been motivated throughout the competition. It was a great victory, and now I'm already thinking about the final after this big win," mentioned Sánchez after his victory. 

Mexican joy continued as Karina Martínez, in another closely contested semifinal, defeated Ecuadorian Jocelyn León by 4-3 in the BC2 semifinals. 

Sánchez will aim for the gold medal against Canadian Lance Cryderman, while Martínez will contend with the top favorite, the world's number 2 player, Salvadoran Rebeca Duarte. 

In the BC1 category, players have severe limitations in their legs, arms, and trunk activity, commonly relying on an electric wheelchair. 

Players in the BC2 category have better trunk, arm, and hand function, frequently allowing them to throw the ball both over and under with various grips. 

It's worth noting that this discipline offers spots for the Paris 2024 Games. 

Written by José Tomás Lambert and Rodrigo Parraguez; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Ph: Paula Letelier / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport