Hugo Calderano is nThe final of the Table Tennis World Cup and will play the decision this Sunday (25/05), facing the Chinese Wang Chuqin. The duel takes place at 9:30 am (Brasília time), in Doha, in Qatar. Calderano, third in the world ranking, will face second place.
Wang Chuqin is 25 years old and won two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Chinese has a 4-2 advantage in the direct confrontation with Calderano. However, Hugo got the best in the last duel in the World Cup semifinal, just over a month ago.
Learn more about Wang Chuqin, The opponent of Calderano.
Wang Chuqin: Career and Made
Wang Chuqin, born May 11, 2000 in Jilin, China, is one of the top names in world table tennis. He currently occupies the second position in the world’s world ranking in Simples Men’s, having reached the top of the ranking in July 2023.
From a young age, Wang has shown exceptional talent. At 18, he won the gold in simple and mixed teams at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. In 2019, alongside Ma Long, he won the World Men’s World Championship in Budapest. His first individual title came in the same year at ITTF Swedish Open by defeating Lin Gaoyuan 4-0.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Wang shone as he won two gold medals: one in the mixed pairs with Sun Yingsha and one in the competition for men’s teams, alongside Ma Long and Fan Zhendong.
In world championships, Wang accumulates several titles: gold in men’s pairs with fan zhendong and mixed pairs with Sun Yingsha at the 2023 World Championship in Durban, as well as silver in simple male.
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Wang Chuqin: Style of Play and Influences
Wang is left -handed and uses the classic grip. Its style is marked by an explosive forehand and a powerful backhand, allowing quick transitions between attack and defense. It is known for its agility and angle control, dominating both the game near the table and the medium distance.
Ma Long, considered one of the greatest players in history, is a great influence on Wang’s career. From a young age, Wang admired the style and determination of MA, and over the years, they have developed a mentor and apprentice relationship.
Wang Chuqin is seen as the natural successor of legends like Ma Long and Fan Zhendong. His combination of refined technique, mental strength and dedication positions him as one of the leading figures of world table tennis in the coming years.
Wang Chuqin: curiosities
Wang has the nickname “Big Head” since childhood, due to the size of his head. The nickname is affectionately used by family and fans.
Outside the tables, Wang is a pool fan and admires player Ronnie O’Sullivan. After his victory at the Paris Olympics, O’Sullivan sent a message congratulating him.
During the Paris 2024 games, after winning gold in the mixed pairs, Wang had his main racket accidentally broken by a photographer. Following, using a reserve racket, he suffered an unexpected defeat for Swedish Truls Moregard in the 32 -year -olds phase of the individual tournament.
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