MANIZALES/COLOMBIA - In a night full of emotions and great qualities, Colombia's 22nd National Games ended with a spectacular win by Daniel Morales in three-cushion. The champion and defender of the 2019 gold medal sealed his dominance by beating favorite Huberney Cataño in a resounding final 50-26 in 21/20 innings.
Although Cataño and Morales compete against each other at home and represent different clubs (Caldas and Cundinamarca respectively), the rivalry between the two culminated in a tournament that exceeded all local expectations. Morales, with his unleashed genius, shone with two innings of five, two of six and an impressive series of nine runs, blocking his opponent who was unable to respond.
José Juan García again met his rival Cataño in an epic showdown in the semi-finals. For the second time this year, his path to glory was blocked by the tenacity of Cataño, who beat him 50-38 in 33 innings, preventing him from reaching the final in the most important match of 2023.
The National Games are meant to support athletes in Colombia, allowing them to participate in international competitions in preparation for these events. The podium in 2023 is not the result of chance; rather, it is the reflection of the athletes' hard work and development over the past four years of preparation.
The duel for the bronze medal between José Juan Garcia and Yon Fredy Martínez was equally exciting, culminating in García's 50-17 victory in 23/22 innings, with a series of 12 and two series of five.
Morales secured his passage to the final round with a spectacular performance by finishing off his opponent with a heavy 50-25 defeat in 29 innings.
Medal table - three-cushion
1. Daniel Morales (C/marca) - Gold
2. Huberney Cataño (Caldas) - Silver
3. José Juan García (C/marque) - Bronze