Canada bounced back from their draw yesterday against Colombia to beat Mexico 30-26. Canada’s victory resulted in their finishing first in Group B and allows them to avoid the Dominican Republic in tomorrow’s semifinals. In Group B’s other match Venezuela beat Colombia, 30-28, to notch their first win.

In Group A, Puerto Rico played the host, Dominican Republic, close leading 21-20 at halftime before losing 37-34. It’s possible, however, that both sides “coasted” somewhat as both were assured of advancing and probably wanted to rest key players prior to the semifinal matches on Friday.

The all-important semifinals will now pit Canada vs. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic vs. Mexico. The winners of those matches will qualify for the PATHF Men’s Elite Championship next summer in Chile. All four teams can harbor hopes of qualifying based on their matches at the last PATHF Div 1 Championships. Two years ago in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Canada played to a 27-27 draw while Mexico and the Dominican Republic did the same thing 34-34.

Results: Thursday, 05 November 2009

Group A
Puerto Rico – Dominican Republic 34 : 37 (21:20)

Group B
Colombia – Venezuela 28 : 30 (10:15)
Canada – Mexico 30 : 26 (15:10)

Group A
Team Points W D L Goals Diff.
1) Rep. Dominicana 4 2-0-0 83:57 26
2) Puerto Rico 2 1-0- 1 78:61 17
3) Guatemala 0 0-0-2 47:90 -43

Group B
Team Points W D L Goals Diff.
1) Canada 5 2-1-0 76:65 11
2) Mexico 4 2-0-1 86:85 1
3) Venezuela 2 1-0-2 76:82 -6
4) Colombia 1 0-1-2 76:82 -6

PATHF website: Results: http://www.panamhandball.org/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showResultsRank&p=5&Itemid=19
Canadian Federation Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Team-Handball-Federation/165918018883
THN: 2007 PATHF Div 1 Results: http://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.403