2024-11-23 14:07:00
Winners at the end of an unbreathable encounter (3-2) against the Japanese Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami (world number 6), who were playing at home, the star brothers of French ping Alexis and Félix Lebrun were crowned in doubles on Saturday November 23 at the WTT Finals in Fukuoka, securing the place of world number 1 at the same time as the trophy.
A first for the French, which “represents how far we have come this season”, their coach, Nathanaël Molin, told AFP. “They make it a reality to be extremely successful together.”
After the gold won together at the European Championships in Linz in October, where the 21-year-old older brother was also crowned in singles, Félix and Alexis Lebrun, both right-handed, once again made their complementarity speak against the Japanese who ‘they know.
Reunited again after the Olympic Games, where Alexis had been associated with Simon Gauzy, the Lebruns had beaten their evening opponents in the quarter-finals of the Grand Smash in Beijing at the beginning of October (3-1) when, earlier in the season, Shinozuka and Togami won 3-0 in the semi-final in Saudi Arabia. The two Japanese did not have very good memories of the Olympics either since the Blues won the match for the team bronze medal.
Fierce battle
On Saturday, the two pairs once again engaged in a fierce battle. Alexis and Félix Lebrun initially suffered, beaten 12-14 in a tight first set where they dismissed three first set points, before being led 8-3 in the second.
But thanks in particular to the talent of Félix Lebrun on his serve and great mental strength, the two brothers reversed the trend, managing to equalize (1-1) before taking the lead.
“We knew that we were in great shape in doubles, that we had a small chance. It’s incredible to share these kinds of moments with Félix,” declared Alexis Lebrun after the meeting, at the microphone of the organization.
Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami, respectivement 34e et 23e in singles, did not give up, and it was finally in the beauty that the Lebrun definitely took the upper hand before letting their joy explode.
Arriving short of form in Japan, after a difficult second half of the year, Alexis and Félix Lebrun saw their last meeting end prematurely in singles, eliminated in the first round by Chinese world number 2 Lin Shidong and German Benedikt Duda. But this final victory, coupled with a number 1 place, served as a reminder that they could rise very high in the world of ping.
“I don’t know if it’s ever happened before, that two brothers are at the top of the doubles rankings, it’s an incredible feeling,” stressed Alexis Lebrun, “but being number 1 is not our main goal, we want to win big tournaments, so we can’t wait for the Worlds which will arrive quickly.” The meeting has already been set, in May, in Qatar.
With AFP
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How does Nathanaël Molin assess the potential for future successes for the Lebrun brothers after their recent victories?
**Interview with Nathanaël Molin, Coach of Alexis and Félix Lebrun**
**Interviewer:** Congratulations on the incredible victory at the WTT Finals! How does it feel to see your players, Alexis and Félix, crowned as doubles champions and achieving the world number one ranking?
**Nathanaël Molin:** Thank you! It’s an overwhelming feeling of pride and joy. This victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. It really shows how far they’ve come as athletes and as a team.
**Interviewer:** They faced tough competition from the Japanese duo, Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami. Can you describe the match and the challenges they encountered?
**Nathanaël Molin:** Absolutely. It was a fiercely contested match right from the start. They lost a very close first set and were trailing early in the second. However, they showed remarkable resilience. Félix’s serving and both of their mental tenacity played a crucial role in turning the match around. Their ability to regroup and keep their composure under pressure was impressive.
**Interviewer:** This victory comes after their gold medal at the European Championships just last month. How does this win compare to that achievement?
**Nathanaël Molin:** Winning the European Championship was already a milestone, but securing the title here in Fukuoka against world-class opponents takes it to another level. This win not only enhances their confidence but also solidifies their status on the global stage. It’s a first for them in the WTT Finals, which is amazing.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what’s next for Alexis and Félix? How do you plan to build on this success?
**Nathanaël Molin:** We will focus on maintaining their momentum as we approach future competitions. It’s crucial for them to stay grounded and consistently work on their skills while enjoying the journey together. Their chemistry on and off the table is key, and we’ll continue to strengthen that bond.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you have for their fans and supporters?
**Nathanaël Molin:** I would like to thank all the fans for their incredible support! It means a lot to the boys and motivates them to keep pushing their limits. We’re excited about what the future holds and hope to continue making everyone proud with more achievements to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nathanaël, and congratulations again on this remarkable victory!
**Nathanaël Molin:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to what lies ahead.
