Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023.- Peruvian Niurka Callupe ended Chile's chances of a medal in the boccia event at Santiago 2023, dominating her match against Javiera Quintriqueo and securing third place in the BC3 individual category at the Parapan American Games. 

The native of Cerro de Pasco, who won the World Cup title in Brazil in September, secured a significant victory of 11-0 at the Centro Deportivo Comunitario de Lo Espejo, located to the south of the Chilean capital. This win marked her seventh bronze medal and the tenth medal overall for her country. 

"It was a highly competitive championship, facing the best in America. The Chilean player displayed a very good level despite being new to the sport. Although I lost in the round to advance to the final, we proved it was possible," remarked Callupe. 

In the BC1 male's series, José Carlos Chagas de Oliveira narrowly defeated Omar Hayward 4-3, avenging his earlier defeat against the Bermudian in the preliminary phase. 

The Brazilian, a medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, added a second bronze to his impressive collection in the Parapan American Games, which includes two golds and two silvers. "I dedicate this to God, my family, and my son David, for believing in me, and to my coach, Luis," said the athlete from Minas Gerais. 

Lastly, Colombian Jesús Romero defeated Peruvian Dean Acosta to claim the bronze medal in the BC3 category. "This individual phase was a bit crazy. I won the initial matches, lost to the Peruvian, yesterday lost in the semifinals against Matheus, and today, I leave with the feeling that we didn't come back empty-handed," explained the victor. 

"We regained our form, disrupted his strategy, as he came very prepared for our game. I think we handled it very well," he concluded. 

Written by Rodrigo Parragué and Nicolás Olea; translated by Vicente Vadlivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Luis Hidalgo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport