Brazil's Hugo Calderano becomes 1st from outside Asia or Europe to reach Olympic table tennis semis

He will face either Egypt's Omar Assar or Sweden's Truls Moregard, who upset World No.1 Wang Chuqin in the round of 32.

Brazil's Hugo Calderano plays against France's Alexis Lebrun during a men's singles round of 16 table tennis game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo | AP)

PARIS: Brazil's Hugo Calderano reached an Olympic milestone at the Paris Games, becoming the first player from outside Asia or Europe to reach the semifinals in table tennis.

Calderano beat Jang Woo-jin 4-0 for the breakthrough in men's singles on Thursday.

“I had some emotions after the match," the 28-year-old Calderano said.

"It's really nice to represent a whole continent. At the same time I want so much more. I want to keep going, reach the final and maybe even a gold medal.”

He will face either Egypt's Omar Assar or Sweden's Truls Moregard, who upset World No.1 Wang Chuqin in the round of 32.