Ronald Palomino crowned Pan American Squash Champion

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino claimed the biggest title of his career with a series of commanding performances that culminated in him being crowned champion at the XXVI Pan American Squash Championship, staged at the historic Paissandu Atlético Clube in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The young Colombia’s march to the trophy was defined by consistency and composure. After receiving a bye in the opening round, Ronald wasted little time in making his presence felt, sweeping aside Chile’s Matías Lacroix 11-5 11-5 11-3 in the second round.

Francesco Marcantonio of Paraguay offered a brief challenge in the last 16 by stealing the third game, but the Colombian quickly reasserted his dominance to prevail 11-7 11-4 5-11 11-8.

The defining moment of his campaign came in the quarter-finals, where he produced a superb display to oust third seed Shahjahan Khan of the United States. Controlling the tempo and striking with precision, Ronald defeated the American 11-6 12-10 11-3 in one of the standout performances of the week, a result that firmly established him as a title contender.

In the semi-finals, Ronald faced Brazilian rising star Pedro Mometto, who had thrilled the home crowd with his run to the last four. The Colombian, however, proved too strong, combining tactical control with clinical finishing to secure a hard-fought 11-7 12-10 11-7 victory in 37 minutes that set up a much-anticipated final against top seed Leonel Cárdenas of Mexico.

The championship clash began with intensity as Ronald edged a tight opening game 13-11 in just 15 minutes before the contest ended abruptly when Cárdenas was forced to retire through injury, handing Ronald the title. While the conclusion was unfortunate, the Colombian’s resilience and sharpness in that opening game left little doubt about his readiness for the challenge.

Ronald’s triumph marks a significant milestone for Colombian squash, highlighting the nation’s growing strength on the continental stage. His ability to blend consistency with bursts of attacking flair carried him past some of the strongest players in the region, and his victory over Cárdenas, though cut short, will be remembered as a defining moment in his career.

The 2025 Pan American Championship will be recalled not only for Ronald’s breakthrough but also for the high standard of competition in Rio. With his confidence soaring, the Colombian has now established himself as one of the key figures in Pan American squash.

XXVI Pan American Squash Championship 2025, Paissandu Atlético Clube, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Men's Final: [5/8] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt [1] Leonel Cardenas (MEX) 13-11 ret. (15m)

Men's Semi-Finals: [5/8] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt [9/16] Pedro Mometto (BRA) 11-7, 12-10, 11-7 (37m)

Men's Quarter-Finals: [5/8] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt [3/4] Shahjahan Khan (USA) 11-6, 12-10, 11-3

Men's 3rd Round: [5/8] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt [9/16] Francesco Marcantonio (PAR) 11-7, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8

Men's 2nd Round: [5/8] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt Matias Lacroix (CHI) 11-5, 11-5, 11-3

Men's 1st Round: [5/8] Ronald Palomino (COL) bye