(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)
The WTT Contender Series event in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil ended today, and Brazil-native Hugo Calderano won – his second win in as many tournaments. The $17,000 for first place is a nice-sized prize, and the 600 ranking points should move him to about 6200 total points – solidly in third place in the world rankings.
Calderano was on a real roll throughout this tournament. He dropped a single game in his two opening matches (3-1 and 3-1) before finding his top gear and defeating Uda and Jungsung 3-0 and 3-0. After winning the first two games in convincing fashion, it looked as if he’d have an easy title – but Duda found a way to make the match tight. After a pair of 11-7 wins for Calderano, Duda snuck in an 11-9 win – taking 3 of 4 points after the two were tied at 8-8. Calderano then won the fourth game – again extending his lead to a two-game advantage. The next two games went to Duda at 11-9 and 12-10 – evening the match score at 3-3. And then Calderano closed the door – winning the final game (in his home country) 11-8.
On the women’s side, the story was the five Japanese women that reached the Quarterfinals. Ultimately the top seed, Miwa Harimoto was the strongest of the all-Japan Semifinals. She defeated Honoka Hashimoto 3-2 in their Semifinal, and then topped Miyu Nagasake 4-2 in the Final.
The Men’s Doubles title went to Benedikt Duda and Dang Qui. The Women’s Doubles title went to Miwa Harimoto and Satsuki Odo. The Mixed Doubles title went to a pair of lesser-known Japanese players, Satoshi Aida and Honoka Hashimoto
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