Cuban Wins Gold at Pan Am Badminton Championship

Oct 28, -- Cuban Osleni Guerrero has won the gold medal at the 18th Pan-American Badminton Championship defeating , from the United States, 2-1 in the final.

After losing the first set 17-21 at the Palacio de los Deportes del Centro Olímpico, in the second set, Guerrero beat Pongnairat 21-6, who was ranked first in the men´s single.

In the 3rd set, Guerrero, who was ranked 2nd, kept his pace and finally defeated Pongnairat 21-10. This was the best performance by a Cuban representative to the tournament.

"I have a great satisfaction, I feel very happy, this success is for the whole family, especially for my mom", Guerrero said to Prensa Latina news agency and Cuban television after being congratulated by the Cuban Ambassador here, Alexis Bandrich.

Guerrero, 24, also said this victory is the peak of his career, as this is the the first time he wins a Gold medal in six Pan-American Championships. Guerrero added 5,000 points to his ranking, which will allow him to rise from the 87th place.

The next commitment of Guerrero, runner-up of , will be the Open, which takes place from today Monday in the Dominican capital itself.

In this case, the Cuban intervenes in mixed doubles competition accompanied by his compatriot Taimara Oropeza to face the Brazilian duo of Hugo Arthusso and , and if overcome, the Cubans would advance to the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, on the lid of singles, Osleni will debut tomorrow Tuesday against the winner of today's top between the Argentine Federico Diaz and Nelson Javier.

In this category, is also represented today with Ernesto Reyes and Leodanis Martinez; the first one against Brazilian Filipi Toledo, while Leodanis will collide with the Dominican Starling Cabrera and Taimara Oropeza will rival the local Indira Martinez.

https://www.radiohc.cu/en/noticias/deportes/3751-cuban-osleni-guerrero-wins-gold-at-pan-am-badminton- championship

Radio Habana Cuba