Félix Lebrun Makes History at WTT Champions in Montpellier
In a stunning display of skill and determination, 18-year-old Félix Lebrun triumphed at the WTT Champions held in Montpellier, France, defeating Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto, the eighth-ranked player in the world, with a score of 11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4. This victory marks a historic moment as Lebrun becomes the first French player to win a WTT Champions title, a significant achievement in the international table tennis circuit, just below the Grand Smashes.
Lebrun's path to victory was paved with remarkable performances, including a semi-final win against Lin Shidong, the world number two, showcasing his exceptional talent on a global stage. The tournament, which attracted 42,000 spectators, has been dubbed the "Lebrun effect," highlighting the brothers' influence on the sport in France and their hometown of Montpellier.
Montpellier Aims to Become Table Tennis Capital
The excitement surrounding the Lebrun brothers, including Félix and his older brother Alexis, has spurred Montpellier's ambitions to host the Table Tennis World Cup in 2027. Local officials, including Christian Assaf, vice-president of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, express pride in the brothers' achievements, which have significantly increased interest in table tennis among the youth. The Montpellier club has reportedly doubled its membership since the brothers' rise to fame.
The city plans to leverage the momentum generated by the WTT Champions to establish itself as a key player in international table tennis, with hopes of becoming the French, and potentially European, capital of the sport. Assaf emphasized the importance of the Lebrun brothers as role models, noting their engaging personalities and commitment to sportsmanship, which resonate with young athletes and their families. As Montpellier invests in infrastructure and support for table tennis, the future looks bright for the sport in the region.
