Host nation players dominated proceedings at the ITTF Brazilian Open in São Paulo on Saturday 8^th October; most notably Lucas Arabian, Israel Stroh and Gabriel Antunes attracted the attention alongside Chile’s Ignacio Torres.

All emerged unexpected winners.

Competing in the men’s singles events, Lucas Arabian beat Argentina’s Elias Romero, the top seed (11-8, 11-7, 11-9) to secure the class 5 title; similarly, at the final hurdle Gabriel Antunes overcame colleague, Claudio Massad (8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7), the leading name in class 10, to emerge the winner.

Rather differently, Israel Stroh in class 7 and Ignacio Torres in class 6, seized the opportunity.

Israel Stroh accounted for Colombia’s José Vargas (11-3, 11-7, 11-3), the semi-final winner against Argentina’s Aleksy Kaniuka, the top seed (11-13, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7); in a similar vein Ignacio Torres claimed gold at the expense of Frenchman Esteban Herrault (11-4, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6).

Earlier at the semi-final stage Esteban Herrault had beaten Chile’s Matias Pino (8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5), the leading name on duty.

Meanwhile, in the remaining men’s singles events concluding on the second day of play, it was success for the favourites.

Brazil’s Guilherme Marcio da Costa emerged successful in class 1-2; Luiz Manara in class 8, Lucas Carvalho in class 9.

Success for the host, from foreign shores, Argentina’s Gabriel Copola justified his exalted position by succeeding in class 3, Chile’s Cristian Gonzalez in class 4.

Overall, it was seven men’s singles titles for Brazil, Thiago Gomes having won class 11 the previous day.

Impressive, it was even more impressive from the Brazilian women.

On the opening day of play, Joyce Oliveira had won class 4-5; one day later Catia Oliveira secured class 2-3 gold, Sophia Kelmer emerged the class 7-8 winner, Bruna Alexandre prevailed in class 9-10.

Play in São Paulo concludes on Sunday 9^th October, the men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles bringing play to a conclusion.