Site Products
2018 Pan America Cup Update

2018 Pan America Cup Update

2018 Pan America Cup Update
(by Steve Hopkins)

The 2018 Pan America Cup has advanced to the final day.  The event began on Friday in Asuncion, Paraguay and will conclude with the finals on Sunday.
In the Men’s singles event, Team USA participants were Yijun Feng and Kanak Jha.  Feng had a tough draw on Friday in the group round where he faced Marcos Madrid (Mexico) and Brian Afanador (Puerto Rico), both of whom were seeded higher than Feng.  Feng began the day with a win over Madrid (4-3).  However, Feng then lost to Afanador (1-4).  Afanador then lost to Madrid (2-4) to create a three-way tie.  The tie was broken by winning percentage with Afanador winning with a 6-5 record (in games overall), Madrid finishing second with a 7-6 record, and Feng in third with a 5-7 record.  Afanador advanced from the group into the Main Draw.
Kanak Jha was seeded into the Main Draw.  His first match was Afanador on Saturday morning.  Kanak won the match 4-2 (9, -12, -7, 6, 8, 10) to advance to the semifinals.  He then faced Brazil’s Gustavo Tsuboi (World No. 54) Saturday evening.  Tsuboi was too much for the young American, winning 4-0 (4, 8, 8, 4).  Tsuboi will play Hugo Calderano in the finals on Sunday.  Kanak Jha will face Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre for third place.
Canada was represented by Edward Ly and Marko Medjugorac.  Both finished third in the first stage round robins and did not advance.  The matches were competitive, but this will have to be chalked up as another valuable learning experience as they continue to develop.
Team USA’s Women were represented by Xinyue Wang and Wu Yue.  Wang was third seed in her group, but won both matches to advance.  She defeated Puerto Rico’s Melanie Diaz 4-3 and defeated Canada’s Alicia Cote 4-0.  Wang then advanced to play top seeded Mo Zhang (Canada) where her run ended.  Zhang over Wang 4-1.
Wu Yue was seeded into the Main Draw.  She defeated Brazil’s Caroline Kumahara (4-1) to reach the semifinals.  She then defeated Mexico’s Yadira Silva (4-2) to reach the finals.  Wu will face Mo Zhang on Sunday evening for the Pan Am title.
Visit butterflyonline.com for updates throughout the finals on Sunday.

 

Latest News

How Can I Ask a Question?

August 11, 2025
Robot plays topspin to Forehand. Play one Forehand topspin from mid distance to Forehand (slower, spinnier and higher… Read More

Down the Line Deception

August 11, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Nearly all players reflexively set up to cover against the crosscourt shot. They are ready… Read More

Geovanni Coello – Transition Variation Drills

August 11, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Geovanny Coello https://youtu.be/LwBF6E3eaxE Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis… Read More

Final Four in Yokohama: Chuqin, Harimoto, Moregard, and Jha

August 10, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Kanak Jha spread excitement through the building with his upset win in the first of… Read More

Simeon Martin – Stroke Chemistry Variation

August 10, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Simeon Martin is executing two types of Stroke Chemistry drills.… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Crush Table Tennis

August 10, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Located in the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut, CRUSH Table Tennis operates out of a spacious… Read More

Kanak Wow – Jha advances to Semifinals in Yokohama

August 9, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Kanak Jha served beautifully, and his consistent rallies and shot-making made him the… Read More

De Nodrest is Surprise Winner in “Spokane I”

August 9, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Leo De Nodrest entered the first Spokane WTT Feeder Series event (“Spokane 1”)… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.