CLAUDIA SUÁREZ AND KEVIN MARTÍNEZ WIN GOLD MEDALS IN PERUVIAN FRONTON

Since the start of the Pan American Games, the Peruvian frontón players have always had their minds set on the goal medal and they got it. Claudia Suárez and Kevin Martínez claimed the gold medal in frontón, a discipline that was born in Peru.  

The outstanding Peruvian athlete Claudia Suárez beat 2-0her Cuban opponent Wendy Durán in the women’s individual final, held at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. It is the first gold medal in this discipline in the history of the Pan American Games. 

Claudia Suárez, with a 20-year career as the best paleta frontón player, reached the final undefeated with four victories in the qualification stage. She had already beaten Wendy Durán in their debut match, as well as Melina Spahn from Argentina, Diana Rangel from Venezuela, and Rosario Valderrama from Chile.  

PERUVIAN PRIDE 

Then, it was the turn of Kevin Martínez, who had all the support from the people in the stands. Martínez dismissed 2-0 his Argentinian opponent Guillermo Osorio, winning Peru’s 10th gold medal.  

Martínez, seven-time Peruvian champion and two-time South American champion, had already beat Osorio in the qualification stage. 

Kevin started taking advantage during the first eight minutes. After achieving the final point, the young but expert athlete raised his arms and all the people from the stands started to yell: Peru, Peru!