Stephanie Chan advances to women’s singles semifinal at 2023 Parapan American Games
Veteran chasing a sixth career Games medal in table tennis
Veteran chasing a sixth career Games medal in table tennis
SANTIAGO – Stephanie Chan of Vancouver won a five-set thriller in preliminary round action Friday to advance to the semifinals in women’s singles at the 2023 Parapan American Games.
The 66-year-old Chan, who will undergo heart surgery after the Games, defeated 17-year-old Kristel Morales of Costa Rica in comeback style 11-4, 9-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-6. Chan finishes the prelims in the women’s S6-7 combined class with a win and a loss for second spot in her pool.
‘’So happy to get the win,” said Chan. ‘’It’s been four years since I’ve had a big competition. I put pressure on myself because every time I play Parapan Am I’ve won a medal. So I told myself I must win, win, win.’’
Chan is competing at her fifth Parapan Ams. She’s won five medals including a gold in women’s singles at Toronto 2015. She was Canada’s Opening Ceremony flag bearer in 2019 at Lima where she won bronze.
Before the Lima Games in 2019 she lost her mother, and her husband passed away in 2022. She is also currently dealing with a heart issue which will require surgery after the Games.
‘’Because my health is not so good it makes me more nervous, which is unusual for me because I’m more relaxed,” she said.
She joked about the age gap between herself and her opponent.
‘’I saw Kristel play last year at a tournament in Costa Rica and she’s made a huge improvement. She’s young enough to be my granddaughter,” said Chan with a laugh.
Chan faces Giselle Munoz of Argentina in her semifinal at 8:30 a.m. (ET). The final is at 11 a.m. (ET)
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