by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Eric Jouti and Gustavo Tsuboi gave Brazil the early advantage by beating Adar Alguetti and Feng Yujin (11-8, 11-8, 11-7), the win to some extent giving Eric Jouti a sense of pride; he had contributed to the win.
The previous day against Hong Kong had suffered two defeats.
In fact, he is the one member of the Brazilian outfit who has never played in a World Cup; both Hugo Calderano and Gustavo Tsuboi have previous experience of competing in the ITTF World Team Cup and ITTF Men’s World Cup. Furthermore, the coach on duty, Francisco Arado de Armas has also such experience; in 1995 he represented Cuba at the Perrier Men’s World Cup in Nîmes.
“I’m really happy to be here, the play in this tournament for the first time. Yesterday, I didn’t play that well but today I felt much better; I was more calm, more relaxed, yesterday I was far too tense. I know I lost my matches but what was important against Hong Kong was that we won. Now I’m in the team, we won the group. I must be the lucky mascot!” Eric Jouti
Doubles success was a major boost to Brazilian aspirations; the partnership of Eric Jouti and Gustavo Tsuboi proving ever more in harmony. Just one thought is it farewell to Hugo Calderano? On the ITTF World Tour and at World Championships, Hugo Calderano is Gustavo Tsuboi’s partner!
“Eric is improving all the time; he serves and receives service well. He plays with good quality. I think our styles complement each other. We have never before been partners before but in a team event like this it’s logical we should play together. Hugo is now playing at a higher level than us. He must play in the singles.” Gustavo Tsuboi
Brazil one-nil ahead, Hugo Calderano accounted for Kanak Jha (11-7, 11-8, 11-7) before Gustavo Tsuboi returned to the table to conclude matters by overcoming Feng Yijun (11-3, 11-7, 11-5).
“Beating Kanak Jha was important for the team, he’s playing well. He beat Wong Chun Ting yesterday, he serves well, he plays with good control. However, I was prepared and focused.” Hugo Calderano
Three-nil and every match secured in straight games; for Korea in opposition to Australia, life was slightly different.
After Lim Jonghoon and Jeoung Youngsik had beaten Kane Townsend and David Powell (11-5, 11-2, 11-2), Lee Sangsu experienced problems when facing Heming Hu, eventually he prevailed in four games (13-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6).
“Today I did not have a good feeling for the ball, after the third game against Hemming Hu it got better and I gained a better rhythm. I feel I’m just a little below my best form here in London.” Lee Sangsu
Eventual success for Lee Sangsu, for Jeoung Youngsik, life was more comfortable, he beat David Powell in three straight games (11-3, 11-7, 11-3).
Victory for Korea meant first place in the group ahead of Germany and Australia; for Brazil it was top spot with Hong Kong next in line, third position was the lot of the United States.
The quarter-final fixtures are scheduled for later in the day at 7.00pm (local time
