Ligue des Champions: ANMTT storms into final with Lebrun brothers’ heroics
An historic night in table tennis! The Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier (ANMTT) stunned Borussia Düsseldorf 3-1 to secure a place in the Champions League final, thanks to inspired performances from Alexis and Félix Lebrun.
In a thrilling semifinal clash, the French team delivered a masterclass, overcoming last year’s quarterfinal defeat to the German side. The victory marks ANMTT’s first-ever appearance in the tournament’s final four, a testament to the brothers’ relentless rise.
A display of dominance from the Lebrun duo
Alexis Lebrun, France’s No.12 ranked player, set the tone with a commanding win over Düsseldorf’s top seed Dang Qiu (No.10). “It wasn’t easy against Dang Qiu but I played a great match,” the Montpellier native admitted, before handing the baton to his brother Félix.
The match results
Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier 3 – 1 Borussia Düsseldorf
- Match 1: Alexis Lebrun (FRA/No.12) def. Dang Qiu (GER/No.10) 11-5, 11-8, 11-8
- Match 2: Félix Lebrun (FRA/No.3) def. Anton Källberg (SWE/No.32) 11-9, 16-14, 11-8
- Match 3: Kanak Jha (USA/No.27) def. Manav Thakkar (IND/No.37) 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9
- Match 4: Félix Lebrun (FRA/No.3) def. Dang Qiu (GER/No.10) 16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8
Félix, the world No.3, proved his mettle in the second match, surviving a nail-biting second set before closing out the victory. The pressure was palpable, but the younger Lebrun remained unshaken, delivering a performance that echoed his brother’s dominance.
A dramatic finale secures the dream spot
With the series tied 2-2, the stage was set for a dramatic decider. Manav Thakkar, India’s No.37, pushed Kanak Jha of the USA to the limit in a grueling four-set battle. However, it was Félix Lebrun who stole the spotlight once more, saving three match points in the opening set before sealing the win 16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8.
The victory sets up an enthralling final against FC Sarrebruck, the tournament’s undisputed kings and defending champions. The clash promises to be a clash of titans, as the Lebruns and their ANMTT teammates aim to etch their names into table tennis history.
“We gave everything,” Félix declared post-match. “This team has fought for every point, and we’re ready to take on the best in the world.”