Gustavo Tsuboi triumphed in the men's event in Costa Rica ©Getty Images

Brazil’s Gustavo Tsuboi and the United States Lily Zhang have qualified for the men’s and women’s World Cup competitions by winning the inaugural International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)-Pan American Cup.

Tsuboi booked his place at the World Cup for the third time in his career by triumphing in the men’s final in San Jose in Costa Rica.

He saw off the challenge of his compatriot Eric Jouti, overcoming the 23-year-old 11-5, 12-10, 9-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-5.

"This is a really good start to the new season for me, after having a holiday break," said Jouti.

"I’m going to play for Rzezcow in Poland and of course it’s really good in my preparation for the World Cup."

Zhang avenged her defeats to Canada’s Zhang Mo at the 2015 and 2016 editions of the ITTF-North American Cup.

The American produced a dominant display to win 11-8, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7.

The tournament, a hybrid of the North American and Latin American Cup events, ensured the winners were assured of representing the regions at the World Cup.

With Tsuboi and Zhang representing Latin and North America respectively, the best performing male and female player from the region, who missed out on automatic qualification, were also ensured of progression.

As a result, americia's Kanak Jha was confirmed as the North American representative for the men’s World Cup.

Chile’s Paulina Vega will be the Latin American entrant in the women’s competition.

Lily Zhang won the women's Pan American Cup title in San Jose ©Getty Images
Lily Zhang won the women's Pan American Cup title in San Jose ©Getty Images

The World Cups are viewed as the second most prestigious events on the international table tennis calendar, with only 20 of the top players qualifying through their respective Continental Cups.

The current world champions, one host player and a wildcard are also due to compete.

China’s world champions Ma Long and Ding Ning will compete in the men’s and women’s event.

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Dina Meshref qualified through the African Cup.

Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Sabine Winter and Petrissa Solja have qualified through the Europe Top 16 Cup.

They will be joined by Russia’s Alexander Shibaev, France’s Simon Gauzy and The Netherland’s Li Jie

Australia’s David Powell and Lay Jian Fang advanced from the Oceania Cup competition.

The Men’s World Cup is due to held from October 20 to 22 in Liege.

The women’s event is scheduled to follow from October 27 to 29 in Markham in Canada.