Tara Mullins advances to final at Pan American squash championships

AMBATO, Ecuador- Tara Mullins of Toronto advanced to the final in women’s play on Monday at the Pan American squash championships while David Phillips of Pointe-Claire, Que., lost his semifinal match in men’s competition.

Mullins didn’t need to play on Monday as her semifinal opponent Catalina Pelaez of Colombia was injured earlier in the day playing a doubles match and could not compete.

In Tuesday’s final, Mullins faces top-seed Samantha Teran of Mexico, currently ranked 17th in the world. Teran defeated Thaisa Serafini of Brazil in the other semifinal. Mullins, is currently ranked 70th in the world and was a member of the 2008 senior women’s world championships team and the 2006 Panamerican championships team.

In men’s semifinal action, Phillips lost to top-seed Erick Galvez of Mexico 11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9. The 29-year-old Phillips is ranked 70th in the world and was on Canada’s squad at the world team championships last month.

“David played very well against a tough opponent,” said Canadian national men’s team coach Yvon Provençal. ‘’Galvez is use to playing in these condition (high altitude) but it was a close match for two thirds of the way. It augurs well for the team tournament. David has played a lot this year and has really improved. In addition he’s learned to deal with difficult situations like playing at altitude here.’’

The seedings and draw for the team event which starts Wednesday were also announced. Canada is seeded fourth in both men’s and women’s competition.

The top-seeds in the men’s draw are, in order, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. Canada is in a pool with Colombia, Venezuela and Bermuda. Canada opens against Bermuda on Wednesday.

‘’Mexico is the favourite for sure,’’ said Provençal. ‘’After that it’s very close between ourselves and couple of other teams. Playing well under pressure will be a key to success. Our guys are eager to get the team event going.’’

For the women, the top-seeds are Mexico, Colombia and Brazil. Canada is in a pool with Mexico and Guatemala. Canada’s first match is Thursday against Guatemala.