Sam Altshuler upsets world No. 3 Simion Bobi to win men's Class 6 title at ITTF Para Challenger Spokane

American para table tennis player Sam Altshuler has caused a major upset at the ITTF Para Challenger Spokane, claiming his first men's singles Class 6 title by defeating world number three Simion Bobi 3-1 (12-10, 4-11, 13-11, 12-10) in the final. The victory gave Altshuler 300 ranking points and lifted him to world No. 6. The match was closely contested. Altshuler edged the first set 12-10 before Bobi dominated the second 11-4. Altshuler responded by taking the third set 13-11 and sealed the match with another 12-10 in the fourth. “It was a tough match in a final, and it was great to get it done,” Altshuler said. “If you told me two years ago, I never would have thought I would be at this level. I want to thank everyone supporting me and to thank my mom and dad for helping me throughout my whole journey in table tennis.” Altshuler’s composure at crunch time proved key, particularly after he lost the second set heavily. He adjusted his rhythm, stayed patient and won two key sets 13-11 and 12-10. The win will boost Altshuler’s confidence before ITTF Para Elite Spokane, which starts on August 11. He will then travel to Yvelines, France, in September before competing at the ITTF Para World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, from November 13 to 19. With his new ranking inside the top six, Altshuler is now an even more dangerous contender on the international para table tennis scene.