The Mixed Doubles event delivered intensity, rising talent, and high-level competition, culminating in a standout performance from USA’s Presley Smith and Jennie Gai, who claimed the title of the XXIX YONEX Pan Am Individual Championships 2026, in Lima.
The American duo opened their campaign in dominant fashion, defeating teams from the Dominican Republic and Colombia with authority (21-6, 21-9; 21-8, 21-10). Their toughest test came in the quarterfinals against Canada’s Kevin Lee and Eliana Zhang, where they edged a tightly contested battle in straight games (21-19, 22-20).
Momentum continued in the semifinals, as Smith and Gai overpowered Brazil’s Fabrício Farias and Jaqueline Lima (21-14, 21-10). On the other side of the draw, Davi Silva and Sâmia Lima secured their place in the final after defeating USA’s Chen Zhi Yi and Francesca Corbett.
In the final, both pairs delivered a high-intensity contest from the opening rally. However, the Americans quickly imposed their rhythm, applying constant pressure and controlling key exchanges. Despite a strong response from the Brazilian pair, Smith and Gai maintained their composure to close the match in straight games (21-16, 21-15).
With the victory, Smith reflected on their previous appearance and what it meant to them: “It felt a lot better because last year we lost in the semi-final and we were the number one seed last year and this year as well. So there was a little pressure. We’re just happy like we can perform our best and take the title.”
For Jennie Gai, the victory adds another title to her already accomplished career, while for Presley Smith, it marks a significant milestone with his first major gold medal—signaling the arrival of a new force in Pan American badminton.
