Alexis and Félix Lebrun qualified for the WTT doubles final in Fukuoka, Japan on Friday. The two French table tennis stars dominated their compatriots Esteban Dorr and Florian Bourrassaud.
The magic continues for the Lebrun brothers. Stars of this summer’s Olympic Games, notably with a bronze medal in singles for Félix and another medal for the duo in doubles in Paris, the two brothers continue to be talked about. On Friday in Fukuoka, Japan, Alexis and Félix reached the doubles final of the WTT circuit. The other French couple, composed of Esteban Dorr and Florian Bourrassaud, dominated in three sets (12-10, 11-6, 11-3).
Faced with two friends who know by heart, since they also train in Montpellier, Alexis and Félix had the upper hand. Despite the lack of freshness due to an exceptional but tiring season, marked by Olympic podiums, they left no escape for the world number 11 pair, made up of two players above 100th place in the individual rankings (12 -10, 11- 6, 11 -3).
A competition that brings together the best table tennis players of the year
The No. 2 world and European doubles champions will face each other on Saturday in the final of this competition which brings together the best table tennis players of the year during the final match of the season, with the winners of the second semi-final opposing Japan’s Shunsuke in the evening Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka, No.6 in the world, to Singaporeans Pang Koen and Quek Izaac (No.10).
“It’s never easy to play against teammates and friends, but today we played well”Alexis cheered, finishing with a “Arigato” (editor’s note: “Thank you” in Japanese) which pleased the local audience who waved fans bearing their image.
Individually the Lebrun brothers did not shine
Individually, the week ended for the new stars of French table tennis, eliminated as soon as they entered the round of 16. Félix, the youngest, 18 years old and number 4 in the world, was beaten on Wednesday by the German Benedikt Duda (3-2) followed 24 hours later by Alexis, 21 years old and number 14 in the world, logically dominated by the n. 2 in the world and big favorite of the tournament, the Chinese Lin Shidong (3-1).
The WTT Finals are the equivalent of the tennis Masters and bring together the 16 best players of the season, in singles and doubles. Among the men, two Chinese big names are simply missing, the two-time Olympic champion (in singles and teams) Fan Zhendong, and Ma Long, 36 years old, six-time gold medalist (including the team one in 2024).
For French table tennis in general, and for the Lebrun brothers in particular, the year was rich, beyond the Paris Olympics and the bronze medals obtained by Félix Lebrun in singles and by the French team (Simon Gauzy, Félix and Alexis Lebrun). The post-Olympic sequence was equally successful, with two European champion titles - in the singles for Alexis Lebrun and in the doubles – before the cadet’s victory at the end of October at the WTT Champions in Montpellier, where he also plays for the club. .
How have the Lebrun brothers’ experiences in previous competitions shaped their current performance in the WTT circuit?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Table Tennis Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned table tennis expert, Dr. Maria Chen, who will help us unpack the recent phenomenal performance of the Lebrun brothers in Fukuoka, Japan. Maria, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria Chen: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to talk about the dynamic world of table tennis, especially when discussing such talented athletes.
Editor: The Lebrun brothers, Alexis and Félix, just qualified for the WTT doubles final after a decisive victory against their compatriots. What do you think contributed to their success in that match?
Dr. Chen: Their success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the brothers’ synergy on the table is remarkable. They have a deep understanding of each other’s playing styles, which allows them to anticipate moves and communicate effectively during matches. Additionally, their experience from the Olympic Games has likely heightened their resilience and focus.
Editor: Indeed, their performance during the Olympics was impressive, earning them multiple medals. How might their Olympic experience impact their current momentum in the WTT circuit?
Dr. Chen: Competing at the Olympics puts immense pressure on athletes, and the Lebrun brothers navigated that pressure quite expertly. This experience likely bolstered their confidence. Furthermore, the high stakes of such events teach athletes how to handle various playing conditions and mental challenges. Coming out of the Olympics with medals only fuels their drive to excel further.
Editor: They faced a tough match against Esteban Dorr and Florian Bourrassaud, who are also training partners. How does playing against friends and teammates impact competition?
Dr. Chen: Competing against friends can be tricky. There’s a unique psychological pressure as both sides know each other’s strengths and weaknesses intimately. However, it can also lead to very competitive play, as both pairs bring their A-game. In this case, the Lebrun brothers managed to demonstrate their superior tactics and skill, particularly in their ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Editor: They finished the match with scores of 12-10, 11-6, and 11-3, showcasing dominance despite fatigue from a long season. What does this say about their physical conditioning and mental fortitude?
Dr. Chen: It highlights both their physical conditioning and mental toughness. Competing at such a high level consistently requires exceptional stamina. The Lebrun brothers must have managed their training and recovery well to reach this level of performance. Mentally, it speaks volumes about their ability to push through fatigue and stay focused on their game plan, even when they may not feel 100%.
Editor: Looking ahead, they are set to face tough competitors from Japan and Singapore in the final. What should they be mindful of in their upcoming match?
Dr. Chen: They should focus on maintaining their rhythm and strategy. Both of their potential opponents have unique playing styles; the Japanese duo, Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka, are known for their agility and quick reflexes, while the Singaporean team is recognized for their strategic play. The Lebrun brothers should leverage their previous experience and adjust their tactics accordingly. It’s also crucial to stay mentally sharp and engaged throughout the match.
Editor: Lastly, Alexis concluded the match with a heartwarming “Arigato” to the crowd. How important is the connection with the fans in such tournaments?
Dr. Chen: Connecting with fans is incredibly important. It can serve as an emotional boost for athletes. When players feel supported and appreciated by the audience, it often translates into improved performance. The Lebrun brothers’ acknowledgment of the fans also highlights their sportsmanship and ability to create a positive atmosphere around the sport.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insightful analysis. We wish the Lebrun brothers the best of luck in the final, and we look forward to seeing how their journey unfolds!
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for table tennis, and I can’t wait to see the outcome.