Sam Altshuler Upsets World No. 3 Simion Bobi to Win Men's Singles Class 6 Title at ITTF Para Challenger Spokane

Sam Altshuler produced one of the biggest moments of his para table tennis career at ITTF Para Challenger Spokane. The home player defeated world No. 3 Simion Bobi 3-1 in the men's singles Class 6 final. The win delivered Altshuler his first Challenger gold medal and 300 international ranking points. The final was tight from start to finish. Altshuler took the opening game 12-10, lost the second 4-11, then won two close games 13-11 and 12-10 to seal the title. “It was a tough match in 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.” The ranking boost moves Altshuler to No. 6 in the world, just behind the top five. He will now prepare for ITTF Para Elite Spokane, which begins Aug. 11 in the same city. In September, he travels to Yvelines, France, for the next event on the ITTF World Para Circuit. The ITTF Para World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, will be his main target later this season, running from Nov. 13-19. This victory is more than a first title. It is proof that Altshuler can compete with the world's best para table tennis players. With a new ranking, an intense schedule and growing confidence, he enters the most important part of the season in a much stronger position.