(by Steve Hopkins)
American Para Table Tennis star Jenson Van Emburgh delivered a sensational performance at the ITTF World Para Challenger in São Paulo last week, capturing gold medals in both the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles events.
In the singles competition, Van Emburgh faced stiff challenges early. Van Emburgh nearly suffering a loss in the group stage against Brazil’s Welder Knaf – a former Top 10 player in the world rankings. Demonstrating his resilience, Jenson narrowly escaped defeat and remained undefeated throughout the group phase. The two would meet again in the finals, but this time Van Emburgh capitalized on what had learned in their earlier encounter. With a refined game plan and sharper focus, he dominated the final, defeating Knaf 3-0 to claim the gold medal.
Jenson’s momentum carried into the Men’s Doubles MD4-8 event as well, where he partnered with fellow American Zach Pickett. The duo showcased excellent chemistry and tactical play throughout the tournament. In the final, they faced the Brazilian favorites — a team bolstered by strong home-crowd support — but Van Emburgh and Pickett remained composed under pressure. With a 3-1 victory, they secured the doubles gold, capping off an extraordinary tournament for the American squad.
Van Emburgh’s “double gold” in São Paulo is a testament to his growth, adaptability, and competitive spirit, further establishing him as one of the rising stars in international para table tennis.
Q&A
After having such a long hiatus from international competition — how did it feel to come back and win double gold here in São Paulo?”
In the beginning during the Singles Event, it felt a little bit strange but once I won that near defeat match in the Groups, I felt like I got all the nerves out and back into the swing of things.
You had a tough match against Welder Knaf in the group stage. What adjustments did you make going into the final to win so decisively?
From the start of the match, I felt very out of rhythm and wasn’t feeling the ball so much.
When Knaf had the match points, all I said to myself was that I wasn’t going to give him the match and that he was going to have to win it himself. I also just tried to put more balls on tables. After I barely won the third game, I calmed down a little bit more and loosened up and started to go for my shots and was able to pull it out!
After your success in São Paulo, will you be using this confidence for your next upcoming tournaments?
Yes I will definitely try to keep this momentum going and confidence going into the two international tournaments that I will be competing in starting May 6th!
Join Butterfly in cheering for Jenson as he compete in Europe this Spring. The Sao Paulo link and the other upcoming event information is here:
- 24-27 Apr: ITTF World Para Challenger Sao Paulo 2025 (BRA)
- 6-10 May : ITTF World Para Challenger Lasko 2025 (SLO)
- 12-16 May : ITTF World Para Elite Lasko presented by I FEEL SLOVENIA 2025 (SLO)
- The 2025 Para Table Tennis Calendar
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