27 July 2007 - Gold and Silver for Cuba in Men’s Finals at Pan American Games

Gold and Silver for Cuba in Men’s Finals Rio de Janeiro (BRA) – 27 July 2007   In one of the toughest competitions ever held in the Americas, 19-year old Adrian Puentes (CUB) won the gold medal in the men’s category of the Pan American Games, as he beat his more experienced team-mate Juan Carlos Stevens 112-111 in the finals.    Puentes, who was part of the Viva America Project for the World Junior Championships in Mexico last year, defeated Daniel Palena (ARG) 107-105, Juan Rene Serrano (MEX) 115-111, Crispin Duenas (CAN) 111-107 and Victor Wunderle (USA) 111-106 before facing Stevens in the gold medal match.   This is the first time in the history of the Pan American Games that the United States has not won the Gold Medal in the men’s individual competition, and the second time they have not taken the silver. Dennis Canuel (CAN) was second after Jay Barrs in 1987.    Victor Wunderle won the bronze medal in a match in which he defeated Canada’s Jay Lyon, who had broken the Pan American Games record twice, with 115 and 116 points in his 1/8 and quarter final matches.   Today’s competition was very closely followed by Mr. Paul Paulsen, FITA First Vice President, who was very impressed by the level of competition and the increasing development of archery in the Americas.   The team competition will take place on Saturday. Unlike in previous games, the US team will now be challenged by very strong contenders: Canada, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela on the women’s side; and the men’s teams from Mexico, Canada and Cuba.   Ø      Results Ø      Photos   Sergio Font FITA Communication