Troy Farnsworth, the national boccia coach, has heaped praise on Omar Hayward for his courageous performance despite his 5-2 semi-final defeat by Canada’s Lance Cryderman in the Parapan Am Games yesterday.

The loss against Cryderman meant the Bermudian missed out on a shot at a gold medal, but Hayward now faces Brazilian José Carlos Chagas de Oliveira, in a match for the bronze medal.

“Omar’s game today was disappointing obviously, but up until this point to win three in a row has been a fantastic effort,’’ Farnsworth said.

“Today’s match, in the second end the Canadian scored four points and despite Omar winning the remaining two ends, scoring a point in each, he couldn't claw back the five points that he gave away in the second end.

“He put up a great fight to win the last two ends after being 5-0 down after the first two ends, so he definitely fought hard and did his best to get the points back.

“There was just wasn't enough time left in the game, so he’ll play for the bronze medal tomorrow [Wednesday]. It’s a rematch of his last pool match so we know it’s going to be another tough game.

“He beat the Brazilian in the pool and that will give him the confidence to go out there, give it his all and go for the bronze.”

Meanwhile, Yushae DeSilva-Andrade defeated Dayana Quiroz, of Colombia, 5-2 to maintain her perfect run in the women’s round robin. The Bermudian was 5-0 up at the close of the third end before Quiroz picked up two points in end four.

DeSilva-Andrade, 30, faces Brazil’s Andreza Vitoria De Oliveira on Wednesday and with the female BC1 individual category attracting only four entries, a win would guarantee a gold medal.

“Yushae had a solid game today and she did enough to win, which was great,’’ Farnsworth said.

“In the other match today, the Brazilian beat the Argentinian, which is good for her and Yushae will play the Brazilian and that will basically determine the gold in this competition.

“It’s very exciting to have both athletes from Bermuda at a high-level competition vying for a medal. I'm sure the athletes will give it their all.”

Bermuda’s only other representative at the Parapan Am Games, Jessica Lewis, finished fifth in the women’s 400m T53/54 final. Lewis clocked 1min 1sec in a race won by Hannah Dederick, of the United States, who crossed the finish line in 55.04.