Cerra gives Argentina second gold medal at Pan American Games

Santo Domingo, Aug 08: Juan Ignacio Cerra gave Argentina just its second gold medal at the Pan American Games winning the men's hammer throw with a toss of 75.53 meters.
Cerra, however, was upset that he was not able to set a Pan American Games record yesterday.
"My joy is not complete," he said. "I wanted to win, but with a record."
James Parker of the United States, who took the silver medal with a toss of 74.35, set the record four years ago in Winnipeg with a toss of 79.61. American countryman John Mcewen got the bronze with 71.49. Argentina won 25 golds at Winnipeg in 1999, finishing fifth overall. But many of its strongest sports field hockey, soccer, rowing and speedskating will be disputed in coming days.

Former world no. 1 Marcelo Rios of Chile advanced to the quarterfinals in men's tennis, beating Jaime Cuellar of El Salvador 6-0 6-3 yesterday.

Rios will face Miguel Gallardo of Mexico in the next round. Gallardo beat Kepler Orellana of Venezuela 4-6 6-3 6-4.

"I improved my game. I returned perfectly and my serve worked well, especially in the second set," said Rios, who has been struggling this year while battling injuries.

Alexandre Despatie of Canada won his second gold medal of the games, winning the men's 3 meter springboard diving. Fernando Platas of Mexico took silver and Troy Dumais of the United States got the bronze.
Bureau Report