DeSilva-Andrade Advances To Semi-Finals

[Written by Stephen Wright]

Bermuda boccia player Yushae DeSilva-Andrade is guaranteed to place at least fourth and is in strong medal contention after advancing to the semi-finals at the Paralympic Games.

Competing in the women’s BC1 division, DeSilva-Andrade secured her spot in the semis by defeating China’s Qi Zhang in the quarter-finals at the South Paris Arena today [August 31].

DeSilva-Andrade announced before the quarter-finals

The 30-year-old, who earned her place in the quarters after finishing second in pool C, will face Aurelie Aubert, of France, in the semi-finals tomorrow.

Even if she does not advance to the final, DeSilva-Andrade still has a chance to bring home a medal, as the losing semi-finalists will compete for the bronze in a match later tomorrow.

DeSilva-Andrade, coached by Troy Farnsworth and Larry Hunt, made a strong start against Zhang, winning the first end 1-0, before adding two more points to make it 3-0 at the halfway stage.

In the third end, DeSilva-Andrade extended her lead to 4-0 before Zhang rallied in the fourth and final end to make it 4-2.

DeSilva-Andrade speaking after her victory today

“I’m really relieved and happy to have played that well,” she told Bernews. “I knew I had to get the balls up there and whatever was going to happen was going to happen.

“I’ll look to give it my best tomorrow. It feels awesome to have made it this far.

“I can’t look too far ahead otherwise I’ll get distracted. To have my whole team around me makes me feel like I’m at home.”

Screenshot from the official website showing the next scheduled games

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