Hugo Calderano's journey at the WTT Contender in Chennai, India, came to a surprising halt on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as he faced South Korean Lim Jonghoon in the round of 16. Despite being the second seed and a favorite to win, Calderano was eliminated after a thrilling match that showcased both players' skills. Lim, who was the 16th seed, edged Calderano with a final score of 3 to 2, with game scores of 13/11, 12/10, 7/11, 4/11, and 11/7.
The match started with Lim taking control early on. He opened the first game with a 6 to 3 lead, but Calderano fought back to tie it at 7-7 and even had a game point at 10-9. However, Lim regained the lead and took the first game 13-11. The second game mirrored the first, with Lim again jumping to a 6-3 advantage. Calderano battled back to tie at 9-9 but failed to convert another game point, losing this set as well, 12-10.
Facing a daunting 2-0 deficit, Calderano showcased his resilience in the third game. He quickly established a 5-3 lead and maintained control, ultimately winning the game 11-7. The fourth game saw Calderano at his best as he surged to a 5-1 lead and closed out the game decisively at 11-4, leveling the match at two games apiece.
The decisive fifth game was a nail-biter. Lim started strong, taking a 3-0 lead. Calderano narrowed the gap to 3-2, but Lim extended his lead to 8-5 and then 10-6. Despite Calderano's best efforts, Lim sealed the match with an 11-7 victory, eliminating the Brazilian star from the tournament.
Calderano's exit was part of a chaotic day for top seeds at the WTT Contender, with several favorites falling early. Notably, the tournament's number one seed, Japanese player Harimoto Tomokazu, was also ousted in the round of 16, losing to Croatian Tomisslav Pucar by 3-1. In the women's draw, top seed Hayata Hina was eliminated by compatriot Hashimoto Honoka in a thrilling 3-2 match, while the third seed, Odo Satsuki, lost to South Korea's Kim Nayeong.
Hugo Calderano's performance in Chennai was a rollercoaster. He had entered the tournament following a comeback victory against Hong Kong's Ho Kwan Kit in the second round, where he won 3-1 after dropping the first game. This victory had given him momentum, but the loss to Lim Jonghoon marked a disappointing end to his campaign.
Calderano, currently ranked fifth in the world, had hoped to use the WTT Contender as a stepping stone for greater achievements this season, especially with the World Table Tennis Championships approaching in just over a month. His elimination raises questions about his form as he prepares for this critical event.
Throughout the match against Lim, Calderano demonstrated his trademark fighting spirit. His ability to adapt mid-game was evident, particularly in the third and fourth games where he showcased his strategic adjustments and powerful forehand. However, despite his efforts, he could not maintain the momentum in the final game.
The WTT Contender in Chennai, which started on March 26 and runs until April 2, 2025, has attracted various top players from around the world, further highlighting the growing popularity of table tennis in India. The tournament not only offers crucial ranking points but also serves as a platform for athletes to prepare for larger competitions.
Calderano's participation in such events is significant for the sport in Brazil, where table tennis has gained traction thanks to his success and that of other players like Bruna Takahashi. His journey inspires young athletes and helps elevate the profile of table tennis in a country where it has historically been overshadowed by other sports.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how other competitors fare, especially with the unexpected early exits of several top players. The results so far have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the WTT Contender in Chennai.
Looking ahead, Calderano will need to regroup and reassess his strategies as he prepares for the upcoming World Championships. His experience and skill will be crucial as he aims to bounce back from this setback and continue his ascent in the world of table tennis.
In summary, the WTT Contender in Chennai has proven to be an unpredictable event, and while Hugo Calderano's journey ended earlier than anticipated, his resilience and talent remain evident. Fans can expect to see him back in action, determined to reclaim his spot among the elite in international table tennis.
