THOMAS CUP Pan Am – Peru creates history

By Raphael Sachetat. Photos (live)  Rights Reserved.

Every other year, it’s the same story. Either Canada, or the USA make it to the final stage of the Thomas and Uber Cup. But for the first time, Peruvians made a stand and surprised everyone by beating the two favourites in their home town of Lima, securing an historical spot in the top team competition in the circuit.

“It was the 1st time ever that the Peruvian Team won the Continental Thomas Cup, this has been an historical result for our sport in Peru!  We beat the big ones: USA in the semis and the big favourites Canada in the final,” bragged Rodrigo Pacheco, one of Peru’s best shuttlers.

In the semi-final, Peru beat USA 3-2 by the slightest margin, but in the absence of Raju Rai, and the duo of Bach/Gunawan, which made it easier for the Peruvians, but they fought their way to the final with a last win of Corpancho/Pacheko over Setiadi/Jinadasa, 21-17, 19-21, 21-12.

In the final, the South Americans beat Canada 3-1 with a similar line-up but a quicker outcome. Martin Del Valle and Antonio De Vinatea won the needed point to make it to the final stage in Kuala Lumpur.

In the Uber Cup, the outcome was less surprising with USA girls winning over Peru – them again 3/1 in the final. Eva Lee and Mesinee Mangkalakiri gave USA the winning point in the final. As only one team travels to the final stage from Pan Am qualifying stage, it will be USA.

CLICK HERE for complete results of the Pan Am Regional Qualifiers for the Thomas&Uber Cups, held in Lima last week