Brazilian table tennis player Hugo Calderano, ranked number three in the world, lived up to expectations and won the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Americas Cup, held in San Francisco, California, on Sunday (Feb. 1). In addition to the continental trophy, he secured a place in the World Cup in Macau, China, where he was champion last year. Undefeated in the Americas Cup, Calderano beat host Kanak Jha (ranked 21st) in the final by 4 sets to 1.

“It was a good match. Kanak had a great year last year; he is one of the best players in the world. I knew it would be a difficult game, especially playing at home, where he knows the place better than I do. I’m happy to win this title, win the Pan American Cup, and go home with the trophy,” Calderano stated.

Notícias relacionadas:

• Table tennis: Calderano wins Pan American singles title.

In the women’s competition, Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi (ranked 20th) lost in the semifinals to home favorite Amy Wang (39th), losing the match by a score of 4 sets to 1. Despite her elimination, Takahashi secured a spot in the World Cup in Macau by qualifying for the semifinals of the Americas Cup. The World Cup will take place from March 30 to April 5.