Pan American Championships
2014
07-13 Sep, Toluca, Mexico
Hosts
Mexico Win Triple Pan American Championship Gold
Hosts
Mexico claimed three of the gold medals - and featured in all but
two of the finals - in the 2014 Pan American Squash Championships
in the country's fifth largest city Toluca.
Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez overcame local hope Alfredo
Avila 11-8, 11-6, 13-11 in the Men's Singles final to win his
fourth successive PanAm squash title.
"I'm
very pleased to get the fourth Panamerican gold medal in a row," said
the world No13 from Bogota, the highest-ranked South American of
all-time. "The tournament was very difficult, as it was a big draw and
very hard matches - playing Avila, (Cesar) Salazar, (Eric) Galvez and
(Diego) Elias. I was very prepared, and am just enjoying playing."
The
28-year-old Colombian went on to claim a second gold after partnering
Catalina Pelaez to success in the Mixed Doubles - where the
pair (both pictured above) beat Maria Elena Ubina &
Chris Hanson of the USA in the final.
Mexico's first gold came in the Women's Singles, courtesy of the
country's highest-ever ranked player Samantha Teran. The former
world No11 from Mexico City claimed a remarkable seventh PanAm title
triumph after beating top-seeded Canadian Samantha Cornett 9-11,
11-4, 11-8, 11-3 in the final.
"I am
very happy for the win," said the 33-year-old Mexican star (pictured
above at the medal ceremony). "After being injured, it was very
difficult to get back - but it was important because the event was in
Mexico, and the competition was very tough due to the qualification
process for the 2015 Pan Am Games.
"I
just took the draw step by step. This was the seventh Panamerican
Women's Individual title that I've won, and I'm looking forward to
defend the title in Toronto next year."
A
second gold came Mexico's way when second seeds Karla Urrutia &
Nayelly Hernandez beat Colombians Karol Gonzalez &
Laura Tovar 4-11, 11-5, 11-7 in the Women's Doubles Final.
A
final between the top two seeded pairings in the Men's Doubles
produced Argentina's sole gold when favourites Leandro
Romiglio & Robertino Pezzota defeated Mexicans Arturo
Salazar & Eric Galvez 11-9, 8-11, 11-6.
USA
fulfilled their seeding in the Women's Team Championship, beating
third seeds Canada 2/1 in the final. Canada denied second seeds Mexico a
place in the final after a 2/0 upset in the semis - with Samantha
Cornett gaining revenge over fellow 'Sam' Teran in four games.
"We
knew the tie versus Canada would be tough," said USA's Gilly Lane.
"Sabrina got off to a great start with an upset win over Samantha
Cornett, one of the strongest players in the tournament. Nikki took
the next match for Canada. Then, Olivia demonstrated great
professionalism and defeated Danielle Letourneau, who is a player
that is really improving right now.
"We
look forward to the #1 seeded position in TO2015."
It was
in the Men's Team event that Mexico clinched their third gold
medal, the No2 seeds beating surprise finalists Canada, 3/4 seeds, 2/0
in the final.
Mexican federation President Federico Serna was delighted with
his team's successes: "After several years of training, we have found a
cohesive team unit; with 8 players and one goal."
Serna
was also the Tournament Chairman. "We were glad to see the biggest
Panamerican Championship ever hosted in Mexico, and pleased to welcome
new Caribbean entries - St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and
Tobago.
"It
was a good exercise in hosting, and Mexico looks forward to hosting more
major championships."
St.
Vincent & the Grenadines Coach James Bentwick added: "This was
great exposure to athletes outside the Caribbean regions - which is
important for the motivation of the athletes."
Athlete Kevin Hannaway concluded: "It was a great experience for
all of us, to play squash at altitude. We are looking forward to coming
back."
RESULTS: Pan American Squash Championships, Toluca, Mexico