The result marks a significant moment for Calderano who finally converts his promising potential into international success in Doha. Falling to the floor in disbelief after the match, an emotional Calderano leads not only his country, but his home continent to new heights with his victory over Jorgic guaranteeing a career-best world ranking of fifth position on the Men’s Singles ladder.
Seeded second for the event, Calderano made a bright start to the final with a strong opening game display but encountered a major stumbling block soon after. With the final sitting all-square at one game apiece, eighth seed Jorgic remarkably saved three game points in the third game to steal the lead for the first time in the match. Disappointed with the outcome, Calderano dusted himself off and went again, responding by claiming the next three games on the bounce to book his date with destiny.
“I’m feeling great, and I’m so happy to win the title. It was a tough match, both physically and mentally. It probably wasn’t the best level we can play; I think we were both tired from the rest of the tournament, but I was able to push myself and deal with the situation, so I’m very happy with my performance. In the fourth game, I was down 6-3, and I think that was a key moment for me when I recovered as it was very tough for him to come back after I won the game. The main thing is winning the title, of course, but it’s also great to see it showing in the rankings, so I’m just happy and will try and celebrate it as much as I can,” said Hugo Calderano.
Earlier in the day, both Calderano and Jorgic enjoyed impressive semi-final victories, accounting for England’s Liam Pitchford (11-2, 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9) and the Republic of Korea’s Lee Sangsu (13-11, 12-14, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-2).
Meanwhile, the Women’s Singles title was awarded to Japanese number six seed Hina Hayata. The 21-year-old opened her day in style as she produced a mesmerising comeback win to eliminate the top seed from the Republic of Korea, Jeon Jihee, in the semi-finals (8-11, 9-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5). She followed up with a more decisive victory later in the day, beating Hong Kong, China’s Doo Hoi Kem, the second seed, 4-1 at the final hurdle (11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7). Hayata leaves Doha with two titles to her name, having won the Mixed Doubles event alongside compatriot Shunsuke Togami on Friday.
“In the semi-finals, I was 0-3 down against Jeon Jihee. It was very difficult, but I managed to turn it around 4-3. I’m also very happy to beat Doo Hoi Kem as she’s a really good player. I hope this is a good birthday present for my coach!” said Hina Hayata
Japan also emerged as the successful nation in the Women’s Doubles event, with Miyu Nagasaki and Minami Ando combining to perfection. The unseeded pair negotiated a monumental task with flying colours, upstaging the top-seeded partnership from the Republic of Korea, Yang Haeun and Jeon Jihee, by a crushing 3-0 margin (11-8, 11-9, 11-6).
The Men’s Doubles final saw the Republic of Korea’s Cho Seungmin and An Jaehyun face against England’s Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford. All four players put on a marvellous show under the lights, two unseeded pairs with nothing to lose in the title decider. Decided across four games, the match unfolded in Cho, and An’s favour (11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4), ensuring the Republic of Korea’s presence amongst the list of title-winning nations Doha.
For event details of WTT Star Contender Doha, click here.