Disclosure: WTT
Hugo Calderano advanced to the second round of Saudi Smash, a WTT event that brings together the main table tennis players in the world. In his debut, the Brazilian table tennis player defeated Australian Finn Luu. The match took place this Sunday (5) and the victory was by 3 sets to 0, partial scores of 11/7, 11/8 and 11/1. Thus, his next opponent in the competition will be the Japanese Shunsuke Togami, this Monday (6), at 8:20 am. Earlier, in the first round of the women’s singles, Brazilian Bruna Takahashi lost 3-2.
The game
The first set between Hugo Calderano and Finn Luu was balanced. The Brazilian opened the gap, but the Australian got closer on the scoreboard. The table tennis player from Brazil regained a two-point lead when he scored 7-5. He then extended it to 9-6 with a precise backhand strike. Finally, the point that gave final numbers to the initial partial was, again, with a winning ball from the left: 11 to 7. Highlighting Calderano’s superiority in points won on his own serve.
Right when the game resumed, Hugo Calderano hit a beautiful forehand: 1 to 0. The Brazilian remained superior and opened up a five-point lead at 6 to 1. Finn Luu made a reaction, but, after a long rally, the table tennis player from Brazil emerged victorious. and made it 7-4. Hugo Calderano then scored 10-8 with a crossed backhand, and finished the partial with the next ball at 11-8.
The Brazilian started the third half in the same way as the previous one: with a left winner (1 to 0). Hugo had absolute control and gradually increased his advantage. After a good serve, Finn Luu returned it and he hit a right cross on the third ball. Afterwards, the table tennis player from Brazil was aggressive twice and his rival did not control his power. The first was on a left (6 to 1) and the second after a right (10 to 1). Thus, the duel ended in the next move: 11 to 1.
Next confrontation
Qualified for the Paris-2024 Olympic Games, Hugo Calderano continues his preparation at a high level with games on the world table tennis circuit. His next opponent at Saudi Smash will be Japanese Shunsuke Togami. In the last confrontation between the players, the Brazilian, 8th seed in the Saudi Smash, got the better of the Japanese at the WTT Champions Incheon, in South Korea. On that occasion, Calderano beat Togami, ranked 21st, by 3 sets to 2 .
Simple Feminine
Earlier, in the women’s singles competition, Bruna Takahashi came to the table as the only representative from Brazil. In the duel valid for the first round of Saudi Smash, the Brazilian faced Chien Tung-Chuan, from Chinese Taipei. The match was balanced, but Takahashi ended up losing 3-2, with scores of 2-11, 11-6, 11-13, 11-9 and 8-11. With the defeat, the Brazilian is out of the women’s singles competition.
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25 years old from São Paulo. Graduating in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Passionate about sports.
