Félix Lebrun, the 18-year-old French table tennis sensation, was eliminated from the quarter-finals of the WTT Champions de Chongqing on Saturday, March 15, 2025, after battling against the world number three, Liang Jingkun of China. Despite showing exceptional skills, Lebrun fell short, losing the match 3-2 after a gripping five-set encounter where the set scores were 11-8, 9-11, 12-10, 11-3, 5-11.
The quarter-final match showcased the fierce competitive spirit of both players. Lebrun began strongly, taking the first set 11-8 and quickly establishing himself with powerful serves and agile movements. His early lead, bolstered by his aggressive play, gave him momentum as he pushed Liang to find his rhythm. Despite facing challenges, Lebrun demonstrated resilience, particularly when he saved three set points against him before closing out the first set.
Liang, supported by the home crowd, shifted gears and secured the second set 11-9, capitalizing on Lebrun's minor lapses. The third set was particularly intense; both players exchanged points fiercely, with Liang narrowly winning it 12-10. This set marked the first time Lebrun faced significant pressure, but he managed to bounce back ingeniously, dominating the fourth set 11-3. His impressive ability to recover showed growth and mental fortitude, as he showcased moments of brilliance throughout the match.
Looking at the match's key moments, the turning point was perhaps the fifth and final set. After leading 3-0 early on, Liang regained control and eventually found his winning form, making it very challenging for the young French star. Despite taking a time-out to regroup, Lebrun struggled against Liang's surging performance and succumbed to defeat, concluding the match with Liang sealing it at 11-5.
After this quarter-final exit, Félix Lebrun reflected positively on his performance, especially considering the slow start to the year he had previously experienced. He managed solid victories against Hanak Jha and Yukiya Uda earlier in the tournament, both achieved by straight sets of 3-0. Winning those matches undoubtedly helped him approach the quarter-finals with higher confidence. Notably, he was eliminated just as his older brother, Alexis Lebrun, who lost to World No. 2 Wang Chuqin on March 14, was also unable to advance.
This recent loss for the Lebrun brothers marked the end of their campaigns at the WTT Champions de Chongqing, as neither of them progressed to the semi-finals. Both players are now set to focus on the upcoming national championships taking place from March 21 to 23, 2025, at Levallois-Perret. Their performances at the WTT Champions, particularly Félix’s heartening run, have set the stage for what could be a promising future for the young French table tennis stars.
While some may view this quarter-final elimination as disappointing, it’s important to recognize the significant strides Félix has made, particularly against top-tier opposition. Coming face-to-face with Liang Jingkun, who has physically dominated the sport this season, proved to be both challenging and educational. Moving forward, it is evident Lebrun has developed not only his physical skills but also his mental resilience—qualities necessary for thriving at high-stakes tournaments.
Félix's performance at the tournament captured the attention of fans and experts alike, who praised his technical prowess and determination. His ability to compete and occasionally dominate rallies against such formidable opponents highlights his potential as one of the promising players rising within the competitive arena of table tennis.
Looking back at their performances, both Félix and Alexis Lebrun have shown immense talent and character. The attention now shifts to how they will adapt and strategize for their upcoming matches, particularly as expectations remain high. Their training and experiences garnered from this tournament will undoubtedly set the stage for their continued evolution as athletes.
The WTT Champions de Chongqing may have concluded for the Lebruns, but their story is far from over. With upcoming events, including the French table tennis championships, fans can look forward to witnessing how these athletes build upon their experiences and strive to make their mark on the world stage.
Overall, this tournament served as both a test and affirmation of skill for Félix Lebrun. His admirable farewell from Chongqing solidifies his position as one to watch and prepares him for the next challenges with determination and focus. The young champion, even following his loss, remains firmly focused on achieving greater heights, driven by the support of fans and family alike.