Félix Lebrun Shines at Grand Smash of China After Olympic Triumph
Félix Lebrun, the young French table tennis sensation, celebrated a triumphant return to competition at the Grand Smash of China on Sunday, marking his first match since winning two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The world number 5 faced off against Poland's Milosz Redzimski, overcoming an initial setback to secure victory with scores of 6-11, 11-6, 11-2, and 12-10. The 18-year-old displayed remarkable resilience and offensive skill, demonstrating why he is one of the rising stars in the sport.
The Lebrun siblings, Félix and his older brother Alexis, are quickly becoming household names in France and are generating significant interest in China, the heartland of table tennis. Following their Olympic success, where they brought France its first table tennis medals in 24 years, the brothers are now competing at the elite level of the World Table Tennis (WTT) circuit. Félix is set to face the winner of the match between Spain's Alvaro Robles and Australia's Finn Luu in the round of 16.
The Rise of the Lebrun Brothers in International Table Tennis
As the excitement from the Olympic Games fades, the Lebrun brothers are ready to defend their newfound status in the sport. With Félix ranked 5th in the world and Alexis at 19th, they are both eager to make their mark at the Grand Smash of China, which features top competitors from around the globe, excluding Chinese Olympic champion Fan Zhendong.
In addition to Félix's match, Alexis faces a tough challenge against Brazilian star Hugo Calderano, the world number 3, who previously eliminated him in the Olympic round of 16. Meanwhile, Simon Gauzy, ranked 29th, will compete against Taiwan's Kao Cheng-Jui, ranked 23rd. The French contingent also includes promising talents Prithika Pavade and Jia Nan Yuan, who are looking to capitalize on their favorable draws.
With their growing popularity, particularly among Chinese fans—Félix's Weibo account boasts nearly 450,000 followers—the Lebrun brothers are not just competing but also becoming ambassadors for the sport. Their journey continues with upcoming tournaments, including the European Individual Championship in Austria and the WTT circuit finals in Japan, setting the stage for an exciting future in table tennis.
