Félix Lebrun Triumphs Over Brother Alexis in Montpellier Table Tennis Quarter-Finals
In a historic match at the WTT Champions in Montpellier, Félix Lebrun defeated his older brother Alexis for the first time in official competition, securing a spot in the semi-finals. The match concluded with a score of 3-1, with Félix, ranked 7th in the world, showcasing his skills by winning the sets 11-6, 7-11, 16-14, and 11-9. This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Félix but also adds to the excitement surrounding the Lebrun brothers, who have become prominent figures in the French sports scene.
Félix's next challenge will be against the top-seeded Chinese player, Lin Shidong, on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. The match is highly anticipated as both players aim for a place in the finals, further elevating the profile of table tennis in France.
The 'Lebrun Effect': Montpellier Aims for 2027 Table Tennis World Cup
The success of the Lebrun brothers has sparked a surge of interest in table tennis within Montpellier, with 42,000 spectators attending the ongoing WTT Champions tournament. Local officials, led by Christian Assaf, vice-president of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, are optimistic about the potential for Montpellier to host the Table Tennis World Cup in 2027. Assaf emphasized the importance of the brothers' popularity in inspiring youth and increasing participation in the sport, with the local club reportedly doubling its membership.
The city aims to become the French capital of table tennis, leveraging the Lebrun brothers' fame to attract more events and participants. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance sports engagement among the youth and foster a thriving sports culture in Montpellier.
Coach's Mixed Feelings About Lebrun Brothers' Duel
Nathanaël Molin, the coach of the Lebrun brothers, expressed his reluctance about their quarter-final match, preferring to take a step back rather than witness the sibling rivalry unfold. His decision to skip the match reflects the emotional complexity of coaching two talented athletes who are also brothers. Despite his absence, both Félix and Alexis acknowledged the importance of their bond, promising to maintain their brotherly relationship before and after the match, regardless of the competitive stakes.
With both brothers now on equal terms in their competitive journey, fans eagerly await future encounters, hoping to witness more thrilling matches that showcase their talents and the spirit of sportsmanship.
