Hugo Calderano has made history today, April 19, 2025, by defeating the world number two, Wang Chuqin, in a thrilling semi-final match at the ITTF Table Tennis World Cup held in Macau. The Brazilian star secured a dramatic victory with a score of 4-3, with set scores of 14/12, 5/11, 6/11, 7/11, 11/7, 11/5, and 12/10. This remarkable win not only advances Calderano to the finals but also marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first player from the Americas to reach this stage of the prestigious tournament.
The final is set to take place on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 9:15 AM (Brasilia time), where Calderano will face the winner of the match between Chinese players Lin Shidong, the current world number one, and Liang Jingkun, ranked fifth. Calderano's journey to the finals has been nothing short of historic, having already secured victories over three Japanese players and a Canadian player, ensuring at least a bronze medal for his efforts.
The match against Wang Chuqin was a rollercoaster of emotions. Calderano started strong, winning the first set 14/12 after saving three set points, much to the dismay of the Chinese crowd. However, Chuqin responded with dominance, winning the next three sets 11/5, 11/6, and 11/7, putting Calderano on the brink of elimination.
But the Brazilian star showcased his resilience and strategic prowess. In the fifth set, he shifted his approach, forcing errors from Chuqin and taking an early lead of 9-3. He ultimately won the set 11/7, reigniting his hopes. The sixth set saw Calderano continue his momentum, winning decisively at 11/5 to level the match.
As the tension reached its peak in the seventh and final set, Chuqin initially led 7/5 and even had a match point at 10/9. Yet, Calderano refused to back down, rallying to win three consecutive points and clinching the set 12/10. The victory was celebrated with an emotional kiss for his girlfriend, Bruna Takahashi, who also made headlines by reaching the quarter-finals in the women's event, marking the best result for Brazilian women in table tennis history.
After the match, a jubilant Calderano expressed his delight, stating, "I am very happy. Reaching the final of the World Cup is something every table tennis player dreams of. I will give it my all for the final. It will be an incredible match, and above all, I will try to enjoy it to the fullest." He emphasized the mental aspect of the game, noting, "It was very important to stay mentally strong and not let myself be shaken. I could have accepted that he was playing at an incredible level, but I kept believing until the end and managed to turn the score around. In the last set, he played better again, but I also managed to raise my level at the crucial moment."
Calderano, currently ranked fifth in the world, has had an impressive career, including a fourth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics and being a three-time Pan American champion. His journey in this World Cup has been historic, as he is the first athlete from outside Asia and Europe to compete in a final of a world tournament in table tennis. The significance of his achievement is magnified by the fact that he has eliminated both the second and third-ranked players in the world during this tournament.
Looking forward, Calderano hopes to inspire young athletes, stating, "Reaching the semi-finals and securing a medal was already an incredible achievement for Brazilian table tennis. Now, even more so, having eliminated the numbers two and three in the world. I hope to inspire many young people who are starting to play table tennis and any other sport to keep pushing forward."
As anticipation builds for the final match, fans are eager to see if Calderano can continue his historic run and bring home the title for Brazil. The final will be broadcasted live on CazéTV, allowing supporters to witness this monumental moment in Brazilian sports history.
