Champions League table tennis: Nîmes-Montpellier shocks Borussia Düsseldorf to reach final
The Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier (ANMTT) has made history by reaching the Champions League table tennis final after a commanding 3-1 victory over Borussia Düsseldorf, a powerhouse in the sport. This triumph marks the club’s first-ever appearance in the championship’s final four, a milestone fueled by the exceptional performances of French sensations Alexis and Félix Lebrun.
The semifinal clash unfolded in a high-stakes showdown, with Düsseldorf entering as favorites. However, the ANMTT squad, led by the Lebrun brothers, had other plans. After suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Düsseldorf in last year’s quarterfinals, the Alliance turned the tables with determination and skill, securing a place in the championship decider.
Alexis Lebrun leads the charge
Alexis Lebrun, ranked 12th in the world, set the tone by dominating his match against Germany’s top seed, Dang Qiu (ranked 10th). In a display of precision and composure, Alexis dismantled his opponent in straight sets, winning 11-5, 11-8, 11-8. His performance sent a clear message: the ANMTT was not intimidated by the German giants.
“It’s never easy against Dang Qiu, but I played a great match,” Alexis remarked, reflecting on a flawless start to the team’s campaign.
Félix Lebrun seals the deal
The younger Lebrun brother, Félix, who holds the world No. 3 ranking, followed up with a gritty victory of his own. Despite a nail-biting second set, Félix overcame Sweden’s Anton Källberg 11-9, 16-14, 11-8, showcasing his resilience under pressure. The French crowd, which had traveled en masse to support the team, erupted in celebration as Félix advanced the Alliance one step closer to glory.
Match results:
- 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 shines as the hero
With the score tied at 2-2, the pressure mounted as Manav Thakkar of India took the court for the decisive fifth match. Though Thakkar fought valiantly, he fell short in a tightly contested four-set battle, ceding the victory to the ANMTT. But the real drama unfolded in the final set, where Félix Lebrun delivered a masterclass. Trailing 8-10 and facing three championship points, he staged a remarkable comeback, saving each one before clinching the match 16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8.
The Alliance’s triumph over Düsseldorf was a testament to their unity and ambition. Now, they face the FC Sarrebruck “dream team” in the final, led by superstar Fan Zhendong, the three-time defending champion. Set for Sunday at 2 PM, this clash promises to be a battle of titans, with the ANMTT ready to rewrite history.
One thing is certain: the Lebrun brothers and their team have already left an indelible mark on the Champions League, proving that perseverance and passion can defy the odds.
