By James Crook

arielhsingAugust 27 - American prodigy Ariel Hsing stole the show at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) North American Championships, winning a hat-trick of gold medals in Vancouver, including a first senior continental triumph. 

The 17-year-old secured her maiden senior continental title in the women's singles before going on to claim gold in both junior girls' singles and junior girls' team events. 

"I always play tournaments to have fun and to improve myself, so I am happy to win," she said.

"My coach gave me some wonderful tips and advice, and I played a lot smarter than I have in the pas, t.

"I am very happy to win my first title."

Hsing, who is close friends with billionaire tycoons Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, sailed past Canadian opponent Mo Zhang in straight sets, 11-9,11-7,11-8,12-10, in the women's singles final before going on to claim the junior singles title against London 2012 team-mate Erica Wu, also in straight sets.

She then joined compatriots Tina Lin and Prachi Jha to defeat China 3-0 in the junior team event to complete her hat-trick of gold medals.

eugeneWANGReigning US Open champion Eugene Wang took gold in the men's singles event with a win over Hongtao Chen

In the men's singles, 2013 US Open Champion Eugene Wang of Canada continued his strong form this campaign by winning his first ITTF-North American Championships title, beating compatriot Hongtao Chen 11-5,11-6,12-10,8-11,11-4 to the delight of the local crowd.

"This is my first North American Championships, so I am very pleased," said the 27-year-old.

"I was the highest ranked player here, so I was not surprised that I won.

"I am now moving to Europe to try and improve myself and hopefully get even better results next year."

However, defeated finalist Chen did go on to claim a gold medal later in the junior boys' singles as he overcame American rival Yijun Feng 11-2,11-7,11-3.

America's Kunal Chodri did not take part in the singles events but still walked away with two gold medals, teaming with Timothy Wang and Theodore Tran to win the men's team title before joining Allen Wang and Jha Kanak to win the junior boys' team title, both against Canada.

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