Pan American Games in Toronto kickoff with lightweights

At the PanAm Games in Toronto all categories are divided into 5 days of fighting. At the first day the lightweights enter the Arena, which may be an interesting event from the start.

Pan America is familiair for its lightweights. The current Olympic Champion is from Brazil, Sarah Menezes, but she won't compete. Nathalia Brigida U48kg is a good replacement though. She is in a good form. But Argentina's Paula Pareto is the one to beat today. By far the biggest favourite, maybe not even in top shape but still capable to win the Grand Prix of Budapest last month. Pareto can prolong her title and become the first Argentine judoka to win the Games twice. Pareto won the final of the Grand Prix in Samsun from Brigida.

Edna Carrillo of Mexico and Dayaris Mestre of Cuba can be her big rivals with Brigida.

In the men's U60kg class most people will tip Brazilian Olympic medallist Felipe Kitadai as their favourite for the PanAm Games title. The field is not too strong and Juan Postigos (last edition he won bronze), Sergio Pessoa and Javier Guedez might try to snatch the title in Canada. Kitadai is motivated enough to prolong his title of 2011 when he met with Nabor Castillo (MEX) in the final.

The women U52kg will see Erika Miranda as the top favourite. The USA have Angelica Delgado as their ace while the talented Canadian Ecaterina Guica will aim for a topspot. Cuban Gretel Romero can mingle with the top, Cuba is familair for its lightweigths. Four years ago in Guadalajara it was Yanet Bermoy who won the title against Erika Miranda who will now be eager to know how to win the gold this time.