DIEGO ELIAS' EVOLUTION ADMIRED BY COMPETITORS FROM LIMA 2019

Photo: El Comercio.

In the world tour of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) everybody knows each other. They compete against one another, many times during the year, and they would inevitably face off at the Pan American Games. The Lima 2019 semifinals will be more emotional, mostly because the Peruvian Diego Elias is looking for an unprecedented gold medal.

In fact, defeating the American Todd Harrity this morning has secured him at least the bronze medal, after reaching the semifinals. Tomorrow at 10:00, he will face off Mexican Cesar Salazar, taking the first step to the gold medal he was denied at Toronto 2015. This time, he will try to dedicate a victory to the crowd packing out the Volleyball CAR at VIDENA. His rivals regard him as the man to defeat.

“I know Diego (Elias) all too well. We've had very tough encounters on the field”. He's a player with a good present and a bigger future, with a remarkable technical and physical evolution that has allowed him to reach a good position in the world ranking. Today, defeating him is a big challenge and we will try to take advantage of the psychological aspect in this game,” said Cesar Salazar.

The other singles semifinal will be played by current Pan American champion, Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez, and the tournament surprise, Argentinian Luciano Pezzota. Aged 33, Rodriguez believes that Elias still has lots of potential to keep making his way up the world ranking.

“Diego (Elias) is a player with everlasting talent and he's only 22. He has the ability to be a reference player for the Americas when I retire. He has become a complete player who has improved his physical performance remarkably; he handles the ball well at the corners of the court; plus, he doesn't have to move so much because of his height. He still has a lot to offer,” added the Colombian player.

If you want to follow our fellow Peruvian, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets and at the authorized Teleticket sales stands at Metro and Wong in the following districts: Chorrillos, Independencia, La Molina, Lima, Miraflores, San Borja, San Isidro, San Juan de Miraflores, San Miguel and Surco.  It is worth mentioning that a new point of sale has recently opened at Jockey Plaza shopping center in Surco.

SQUASH AT LIMA 2019

Squash at the Pan American Games comprises men's and women's categories and singles, doubles and team events. There will also be a mixed doubles event. There will 36 male athletes from 12 countries and 24 women from 8 countries.

Besides Elias, Peru is represented by Alonso Escudero and Andres Duany in men; while Pia Hermosa, Ximena Rodriguez and Alejandra Zavala will be the female athletes in the national delegation. The draw for the seven events will take place on July 23 at 14:00.