Kanak Jha is the New ITTF Pan American Cup 2025 Men’s Champion, Takahashi Wins Second Straight Women’s Title

Burlingame, Calif. – Kanak Jha has solidified himself as the new men’s singles champion at the ITTF Pan American Cup 2025, defeating Eugene Wang in a seven-game thriller finishing at 4-3 (11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 5-11, 13-15, 11-4).

"It's not just a title that means a lot to me. It was my first Pan Am Cup, but it's also world ranking points on the line, which for me also means a lot. So it felt like a double whammy. When this tournament was announced, It was in my home club 888 Table Tennis Center. I knew I had to take the title, that this had to be my event," commented Jha about his victory.

By age twenty-four, Jha has taken his game to the next level and added a Pan American Cup Champion to his resume. His highly anticipated matchup with Wang did not disappoint.

Surprising to many, these two elite North American Olympians had never played each other in international competition before this year’s Americas Continental Cup final.

Jha opened up about his admiration for Eugene Wang, "I grew up watching him play, so I was actually very happy with the finals matchup. I thought it was a very fitting finals to have, two of the top players in North America finally facing off against each other on a big stage. I have huge respect for him, even at his age [39], to play at this level is mind blowing to me and and also inspiring to me for myself."

Throughout the match, Jha displayed his advantage in speed. Getting over the top of the ball as soon as it crossed the net, and he even showed flashes of a powerful backhand down the line. Wang held his own with his world-class receiving ability and his natural touch with the paddle. Still, his efforts to match Jha’s tempo were not enough to defeat the three-time U.S. Olympian.

Bruna Takahashi (BRA) clinched the women’s singles gold medal at the ITTF Pan American Cup 2025 for the second straight cup championship title by defeating hometown favorite Lily Zhang. Takahashi finished on top at 4-3 (9-11, 14-12, 11-5, 9-11, 12-14, 15-13, 11-5).

The match started fast between the two female superstars. Unfortunately, in the middle of the third game, the match was halted as Lily Zhang was forced to take an injury time after stressing her arm and shoulder area in the second game.

Once the players returned to the court, Zhang backed off against Takahashi, and the change in rhythm seemed to affect Takahashi’s preferred quick play style. In game five Lily looked closer to her usual self and was getting over the top of her shots again. Her adrenaline and determination to win were evident.

Back to the fast-paced action, the two traded two more games for an exciting game seven. Zhang was up 5-3 before Takahashi caught fire with her high toss serves and rattled off eight straight points to earn the win.

All the players that reached the semifinal rounds have qualified for the ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup Macao 2025 from April 14-20. This includes Amy Wang for the U.S., who was able to secure a bronze medal in women’s singles alongside Mo Zhang (CAN) in women’s singles. The bronze medals for the men’s side were awarded to Eric Jouti (BRA) and Horacio Cifuentes (ARG).