Wang Chuqin vs Hugo Calderano | Semifinals World Cup Macao 2026

The semifinals of the World Cup is finally here with the defending champion and world number one at the table. This is a rematch as these two faced in the semifinals of the same event last year. Hugo Calderano was able to defeat Wang Chuqin in the semis a year ago. A year later, will the result be the same? Or can Wang Chuqin avenge his big loss last year? Let's find out. Terrible miss. The game has just started and you can already feel the tense in the air. You thought that was over but it's not over till the ball drops on the ground. A mixture of skill and luck as Hugo closes the gap. Electric. Close. The plan was there. Play short. Drop short. Play short. Feed the ball on the far forehand and block in the far backhand area. He is one of the million plus everywhere we go in the shopping centers and the malls. Runs all over him. Game. But he's not being allowed to right now. He's probably the most handcuffing player in the world. He's so. Chuqin's making it really sticky. Hugo is known for that signature powerful backhand. Felt short. Could have landed that with a bit of lift and topspin. Wang Chuqin is just owning Hugo in this game too. Game 1 was close but this game 2 is not looking good for the defending champion. Clever shot from Calderano. It's unusual to see Hugo miss that. To those who are wondering, Hugo Calderano used different equipment last year. Just this December when he switched sponsors. He used to play for Xiom or is that pronounced Cyom. He is now under Jula Brand and he uses a new blade with new rubbers as well. With 3 months of practicing with the equipment, do you think he has mastered it? Is it affecting him right now? Hugo missed that sidestep. The ball was just too far as Wang Chuqin keeps on pouring those explosive attacks. Hugo needs to step up right now. The recovery on that net attack but Wang Chuqin is just playing intelligently putting the ball on the far ends of Hugo Calderano. Wang Chuqin is just dominating Hugo and the defending champion is yet to respond. A drop shot to win. Wang Chuqin does not want to waste his energy on attacking those high lobs. If this continues as it is, Hugo is in big trouble. Wang Chuqin is just chill playing his best and he is now outscoring the thrill from Brazil. Wang Chuqin is just toying with the backhand flicks of Hugo and he is leading. Wang Chuqin took games 1 to 3 and this will be the last game if Hugo does not retaliate. He needs to win this game or this will be over for him. Bruna Tekashi is in the crowd cheering for Hugo while the entire national team of China is there and the entire arena is cheering for Wang. The blessings of the net are now with Hugo Calderano. That time out while ago was worth it. He was down 3-0 and just look at this. He is finally retaliating. Net balls just increases the thrill of this match. Now leading, can Hugo finally close this to score a game? A deadly backhand, slow but the ball placement was just too good. Wang Chuqin did not anticipate that. Hugo closes game 4 with a win and finally the hope for Hugo's fans lit up. Still Wang Chuqin is leading 3-1. Smokes! Was that an underspin slice? That was a high intelligent play. Hugo is making these creative shots. Beautiful! This angle is terrible. Too bad this angle did not do justice to that beautiful exchange of backhand flicks. Close! Hugo could have landed that to secure 2 game points. That was nice by Wang Chuqin. Those low attacks are just fantastic. Hugo was just getting his rhythm yet fell short. He warmed up too late against the best in the world. Wang Chuqin played really well. Hugo played well but not on the early games. The defending champion is now out and Wang Chuqin joins Sora Matsushima in the finals that will commence in 4 hours. What do you think of this matchup? No he didn't!