WTT Series debuts in Brazil with the WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro 2023: All you need to know

Posted : 07 August 2023

Get ready for a historic moment in the world of table tennis as the WTT Series makes its debut in Brazil! The much-anticipated WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro 2023 is about to kick off, promising a carnival of thrilling table tennis action. Here's a comprehensive preview to ensure you're in the loop before the excitement commences in Rio.

Date and Venue
The exhilaration will unfold at Arena Carioca 1, where the qualifying rounds will be held from August 7 to 9, followed by the main draw from August 10 to 13.

Stakes and Rewards
A grand total of USD$75,000 awaits the contenders in the prize pool, and the victors will ascend the podium with 400 ITTF World Ranking Points in their grasp.

Rio's Homecoming Hero
Anticipation is running high as Rio's very own table tennis sensation, Hugo Calderano, takes center stage. The charismatic 'thrill from Brazil' is set to captivate the crowd. As the top seed in the Men's Singles, the World No.4 boasts an impressive record during the WTT Series 2023. Calderano kicked off the year with a bang, clinching consecutive WTT Contender titles in Durban and Doha. Notably, he recently reached the semifinals at WTT Star Contender Ljubljana. While he faced a setback in WTT Contender Lima, being ousted in the opening round, it's crucial to note that defenders pose a challenge to his playing style. Despite this, his spirits remain high, and he's poised to dazzle the home audience. Will 'the thrill' secure his third WTT Series title in Rio? However, the competition will be fierce, with strong contenders like Jang Woojin and Dimitrij Ovtcharov, both currently residing in the Top 10.

A Shot at Redemption
The Women's Singles category is bustling with players eager to clinch their maiden WTT Series 2023 title. Leading the pack as the top seed is Hina Hayata. Although she hasn't reached a final since September last year, she recognizes the urgency to stage a remarkable comeback to maintain her position in the rankings. With 400 points from her victory at WTT Contender Almaty 2022 set to expire next month, Hayata eyes Rio as an opportunity to make a deep run and recoup valuable points.

Chasing Glory
Following closely is the second seed, the pride of Puerto Rico, Adriana Diaz. With numerous achievements on the continental stage, Diaz is determined to break through internationally. She came close this year at WTT Star Contender Bangkok, battling through a marathon semifinal match but ultimately falling to the eventual champion. Could the unwavering support of her continent be the key to her triumph in Rio?

Seeking Vengeance
Bernadette Szocs is also entering the arena with a score to settle. Having narrowly missed the title at WTT Contender Lima, the fourth seed from Romania is ready to make amends in Rio.

With all these exceptional talents in the mix, the WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro 2023 promises a spectacle of unparalleled table tennis action and unforgettable moments. Don't miss out on this historic event that's set to make waves in the world of sports.

WTT Series debuts in Brazil with the WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro 2023: All you need to know

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