Brazilian table tennis player Hugo Calderano is the new world No. 2 following the latest update of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings on Monday (Feb. 9). In addition to reaching the highest position of his career, Calderano became the first South American athlete to hold this ranking in a sport traditionally dominated by Asian and European players. The top spot remains with Chinese player C.Q. Wang.

“It is a great pride for me to take Brazil to yet another unprecedented place in the history of table tennis. This achievement is the result of an incredible season - the best of my career so far. The year is just beginning, and I hope to achieve even greater results,” Calderano said in a statement to the Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation (CBTM).

Notícias relacionadas:

• Calderano wins table tennis Americas Cup and secures spot in Macau.

Calderano began 2026 with a bronze medal at the WTT Star Contender in Doha, Qatar. Last season, the 26-year-old put together a string of outstanding results. In April, he climbed from fifth to third in the world rankings after winning the World Cup in Macau, China - a country with the most stars in the sport. A month later, he finished runner-up at the World Championships in Doha; until then, only Asian and European players had reached the final.

Currently ranked world No. 2, the Brazilian signed a contract last Friday (6) with FC Saarbrücken, a German club that competes in the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League. After nearly 10 years with TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, Calderano announced on social media that he will represent his new club in the 2026/27 season.

Brazilian table tennis player Hugo Calderano, ranked number three in the world, lived up to expectations and won the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Americas Cup, held in San Francisco, California, on Sunday (Feb. 1). In addition to the continental trophy, he secured a place in the World Cup in Macau, China, where he was champion last year. Undefeated in the Americas Cup, Calderano beat host Kanak Jha (ranked 21st) in the final by 4 sets to 1.

“It was a good match. Kanak had a great year last year; he is one of the best players in the world. I knew it would be a difficult game, especially playing at home, where he knows the place better than I do. I’m happy to win this title, win the Pan American Cup, and go home with the trophy,” Calderano stated.

Notícias relacionadas:

• Table tennis: Calderano wins Pan American singles title.

In the women’s competition, Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi (ranked 20th) lost in the semifinals to home favorite Amy Wang (39th), losing the match by a score of 4 sets to 1. Despite her elimination, Takahashi secured a spot in the World Cup in Macau by qualifying for the semifinals of the Americas Cup. The World Cup will take place from March 30 to April 5.