Altshuler Strikes Gold Again Alongside Mingyu Zu

SPOKANE, Wash. — The U.S. captured its second gold medal in Spokane as Sam Altshuler and Mingyu Zu defeated China’s Keli Liao and Yucheng Jin, 3-2 (11-7, 5-11, 14-16, 11-7, 13-11), to win the Class 14 mixed doubles title.

“The spectators, the U.S. Team, they were all cheering for us and we felt so motivated,” Mingyu Zu said following the victory.

Going the distance against China, the Americans faced a 10-8 deficit in the fifth game before mounting a comeback to seal the match at deuce.

“Sam is a stable player and the mind of our team, he created opportunities for me to attack,” Zu said about the comeback. “My style coupled with Sam’s is a great combination.”

Just over three months ago, the pair teamed up for their first official tournament in Santiago, Chile, where they secured gold at the Para Future event.

Since then, their chemistry has continued to develop, as they reached the finals at the ITTF Para Challenger in São Paulo and the ITTF Para Elite in Taipei City. Now more accustomed to each other’s rhythm and timing, their continued success is paying off.

“They trust each other, they communicate well together, and the decisions they make work out great,” coach Jennifer Wu said.

Altshuler and Zu earned 360 points toward the Class 14 mixed doubles world rankings at ITTF Para Challenger Spokane.

With ITTF para doubles world rankings listed individually, the victory moves Zu into the world top 30 and Altshuler into the top 40 as the para season closes in on the World Championships.

The ITTF Para Elite Spokane event is next for the pair, with singles competition beginning Aug. 11 and doubles play starting Aug. 14.