French table tennis player Alexis Lebrun finds himself on the brink of history as he prepares to face Lin Shidong, the world’s number two ranked player, in the semifinals of the WTT Singapore Smash 2025. Scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, at 11:45 AM (local time), this match presents Lebrun with the golden opportunity to become the first French athlete to reach the finals of this prestigious tournament, commonly referred to as the Grand Slam of table tennis.
At just 21 years old, Lebrun has made waves on the international stage, especially since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where he demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. His advance to the semifinals is noteworthy, especially considering the heavy competition, as he is the last non-Chinese player standing among the semifinalists. This year's tournament has seen several top Chinese players, making Lebrun's progress all the more impressive.
“Alexis is stronger than ever,” his coach Nathanaël Molin emphasized, shedding light on Lebrun's improved mental and technical game. “He is mentally and technically at his peak. His confidence has soared since the Olympics.” This transformation has allowed him to outplay several formidable opponents throughout the tournament, including the German player Dang Qiu, whom he defeated 4-2 to secure his place in the semifinals.
Despite encountering physical challenges—including recent concerns involving his Achilles tendon—Lebrun’s performance has remained formidable. He faced moments of difficulty against his opponent Xue Fei earlier but showcased resilience by closing out the match with determination. “It’s been challenging, but I’ve worked hard on my physical stability and mental preparedness,” Lebrun acknowledged, expressing readiness for the intense match against Shidong.
Historical encounters between Lebrun and Shidong have set the stage for this anticipated matchup. Their rivalry began last year, where Shidong has claimed victory twice against Lebrun, but the French player triumphed once, defeating the Chinese athlete 3-1 at the WTT Contender event earlier this year. Gabriel Simon, also confident about Lebrun's abilities, stated, “When Alexis finds his rhythm, he is nearly unbeatable.”
The stakes are high for Lebrun; achieving victory over Shidong would not only solidify his place among the top ten players worldwide (currently ranked 14th) but also erase the limitations his younger brother Félix has placed on him since becoming the spotlight of French table tennis. Their sibling rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to Lebrun’s aspirations.
Shidong, on the other hand, arrives at the semifinals with impressive statistics—having only lost two sets throughout the tournament so far. At the tender age of 19, he has become known as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors, especially following his successes since being left out of the Paris Olympics. Analysts expect him to present immense challenges with his powerful offensive play and sharp defensive techniques.
Nonetheless, there is hope surrounding Lebrun's capability to counter Shidong's prowess. His previous performances indicate he is more than capable of taking on such intense competition. Simon Gauzy, who has seen both players compete, believes, “If Alexis stays focused and doesn’t let the match sway his emotions, he has every chance of winning.” Gauzy’s insights serve as motivation, reflecting the overarching belief, particularly from fans, surrounding the Lebrun brothers.
With the support of the French crowd and determination fueling him, Alexis Lebrun sets his sight on making history. A win over Lin Shidong would not only alter the course of his career but also put him firmly on the map as one of France's top athletes. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans as they look to discover whether Lebrun can conquer his Everest and secure his spot in the final.
The anticipation is palpable as the countdown to 11:45 AM nears. Will Alexis Lebrun rise to the occasion? Or will Lin Shidong continue his dominant ascent? Whatever the outcome, this match is destined to be one for the ages.