Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023.- Peruvian player Pilar Jáuregui arrived at the Parapan American Games as one of the big stars in Para badminton. In the opening of this sport at Santiago 2023, the world champion reaffirmed her immense favoritism in the WH2 category by defeating Chilean Daniela Zapata with a resounding score of 21-0 and 21-4.

In addition, the Puno native secured her second victory of the day by winning in doubles, alongside her partner Jaquelin Burgos, against the Brazilian pair composed of Ana Gomes and Daniele Souza, with a score of 21-14 and 21-11, in 29 minutes of play.

But Jáuregui is not the only one with high expectations in Chile; Peruvian Para badminton is one of the continental powerhouses along with Canada and Brazil. In fact, their representatives notched nine victories and three defeats in the first matches of the group stage, across different categories.

"I think we have a lot of chances as a country. There are many promising players, and from what I've seen, we started quite well," said Jáuregui.

Regarding her comfortable debut and expectations in Santiago, she added, "Experience shows in these events, and Daniela is just starting, but she has a bright future. For me, these Parapan American Games are very important; I've been preparing for two years to win the gold and accumulate points that will allow me to reach Paris 2024."

As for the Chileans in competition, they won one and lost four of the first five matches. The winner was Jaime Aránguiz, who in the WH2 male category defeated the Peruvian Roberto Fajardo 21-5 and 21-8.

"I satisfied my desire to play; I was anxious, so now I'm going to enjoy the championship. I'm very excited about the possibility of winning a medal," he said.

In the afternoon, Aránguiz will play his second match in Group A against the Brazilian José Ambrosio Chaves, and if he wins, he will virtually secure a spot in the semifinals.

Written by Arturo Hernández y Alejandro Pérez; translated by Pía Barriga Ferry / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Felipe Zanca / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport