Hugo Calderado created history at the Galaxy Arena tonight, becoming the first Brazilian and Pan American player to win the ITTF Men’s World Cup with a sensational 4-1 comeback victory over world number one Lin Shidong of China.
After dropping the opening game 6-11, the 28-year-old Brazilian produced an extraordinary performance to win four consecutive games (11-7, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5), completing a fairytale tournament that also saw him defeat world number two Wang Chuqin in the semifinals.
Calderano’s victory marks a watershed moment for table tennis, breaking the Chinese dominance of the men’s competition and signaling a new era of global competitiveness in the sport. His tactical brilliance was on full display throughout the final, consistently taking the ball early and disrupting Lin’s rhythm with clever variation of pace and placement.
The Brazilian’s path to glory included a heroic semifinal comeback from 1-3 down against Wang Chuqin, followed by this masterclass against Lin, who had been in imperious form throughout the tournament.
Hugo Calderano’s achievement is truly remarkable as he becomes the first non-Chinese player since Dimitrij Ovtcharov (2017 Men’s singles World Cup winner) to win a major men’s singles tournament. Additionally, being the first Pan American player since Wenguan Johnny Huang in 1993 to secure a men’s singles medal at the World Cup highlights his incredible talent and dedication to the sport. He will also regain his career best ranking of World No. 3 by Tuesday.