Nicolette Fernandes in hunt for gold at South American Games

Guyana’s world ranked squash player and Sportswoman of the Year Nicolette Fernandes moved closer to giving this country a gold medal at the IX South American Games in Medellin, Colombia.

Some members of the Guyana team at the IX South American Games in Medellin, Colombia.

According to reports out of the Guyana camp in Colombia, Fernandes won her singles semi-final encounter against Cecilia Cerquettic of Argentina 11/5, 11/5, 11/5.

She had earlier defeated Catalina Perez of Colombia 11/7, 11/4 in a second round encounter while Khalil lost her first round match to Magaley Velez of Ecuador 15/13, 9/11, 13/11, 8/11, 11/2.

In women’s doubles, Fernandes  and Khalil defeated Magaly Velez and Nicole Coordillo of Ecuador 11/7,11/4 in the first round but lost to  Cerquettic and Antonelia Falcione 9/11,7/11 in the  semi-finals to earn Guyana’s first bronze medal at the games.

In track and field, Chavez Ageday, running in lane two, placed seventh in a time of 22:07 seconds in the final of the 200m.

He had earlier qualified for the finals by placing fifth in 22:25 seconds running out of lane three in the semi-finals.

Ageday also qualified for the finals of the 100m by clocking 10:87s running out of lane seven.

In the finals, Ageday clocked 10:82 seconds for seventh place running out of lane two.

Meanwhile, the Guyana team participated in the opening ceremony on Thursday.

They were given a hearty welcome by the Mayor of the Village while the customary gift exchange was done by Chef-de-Mission, Gokarn Ramdhani.

After a few words of thanks for being in Colombia, the Guyana Flag was hoisted by Ramdhani and Fernandes.

The highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the wonderful display of fireworks which lit the sky for over 20 minutes as the Guyana Team led by flag bearer Dennis Horatio, marched to a full stadium of spectators and special guests.