Friday, November 24th, 2023.- The Chilean boccia team BC1/BC2, composed of Andrea Guzmán, Javier Bastias, and Germán Calderón, secured a crucial 6-4 victory against Mexico (Karina Martínez, Dubier Paredes, and Eduardo Sánchez), taking a significant step towards qualifying for the semifinals to be held on Saturday, November 25.

The BC1 boccia players have severe limitations affecting their legs, arms, and trunk, often relying on electric wheelchairs. Meanwhile, the BC2 category players have better trunk and arm function than those in BC1. Their arm and hand abilities frequently allow them to throw the boccia ball with various grips, both overhand and underhand.

"It was a tough match; we've faced Mexico in several previous events, and we always lacked that tiny detail to win. I feel that today we corrected those mistakes to continue dreaming of advancing to the semifinals. The most important thing was that we maintained our concentration, didn't get nervous, and each of us gave our best," commented the captain of the Chilean team, Javier Bastías.

In another match, Canada (Kristyn Collins, Danik Allard, and Lance Cryderman) defeated Ecuador (Joselyn León, Jorge Delgado, and Dayana Quiroz) 11-1, virtually securing their spot in the top four.

This afternoon (3:00 p.m. local time), Argentina and Mexico will face each other. If the Argentinians win, Chile will directly advance to the semifinals. However, if the North Americans win, the matches and points earned in each match will need to be reviewed.

Written by Marcelo López and Rodrigo Parragué; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Luis Hidalgo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport