Team Bermuda got an early start to the 8th Pan American Wushu Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sentwali Woolridge lost to Joao Oliveira of Brazil 2 - 0. Woolridge was forced off the lei tai (platform) twice in the first round which resulted in the loss of the round. Woolridge outscored his opponent with striking in the second round including a spinning back kick and spinning back fist however was forced off the lei tai once towards the end of the round which helped secure the points decision for the Brazilian.
Talia Iris lost a split points decision over 2 rounds to Gabriela Cerron Quintanilla of Peru. Many of the 5 side judge could not make a call after 2 rounds however the Peruvian had most of the judges' votes in her favor.
Reyel Bowen won the first round of his fight convincingly over Formaniuk Baasilio of Argentina with superior striking and takedowns. At the beginning of the second round Bowen was rushed by his opponent and was forced down to the mat. After congratulating his opponent and touching gloves for the good takedown effort his opponent struck him during the exchange causing him to stagger. As a result he was caught with a number of strikes and was forced off the platform twice to lose the second round. In the third round Bowen found it difficult to regain momentum and as a result the ref was forced to call the fight.
Jermal Woolridge took on Joshue Cordoba of Venezuela and lost 2 rounds to 0. The match was very close however the Venezuelan mostly outscored Woolridge with kicks.
Shannon Ford in the 80kg and Samir Furqan in the 56kg Junior Division both earned byes straight to the Semi-Finals later today.
Garon Wilkinson is also set to compete in the taolu Changquan Division later today.
The finals are slated for Saturday with the traditional kung fu events scheduled for Sunday, Wilkinson is also due to compete in the traditional event.
