Chongqing, China – Félix Lebrun of France is one step away from adding another prestigious title to his growing collection after a thrilling comeback victory in the semi-finals of the WTT Champions Chongqing tournament on Sunday. The 27-year-old, fresh off a stunning quarterfinal win against Hugo Calderano, once again demonstrated his resilience and composure, defeating Japan’s Sora Matsushima in a five-set match.
Lebrun’s path to the final wasn’t without its challenges. Matsushima, who earlier in the tournament eliminated world number one Wang Chuqin, presented a formidable opponent. The Japanese player raced to an early lead, winning the first three sets 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, and 13-11. It was a familiar scenario for Lebrun, who had previously overcome a similar deficit against Calderano the day before.
However, the Montpelliérain refused to yield. Displaying the same tenacity that characterized his quarterfinal performance, Lebrun mounted a remarkable comeback, securing the next three sets with identical 11-6 scores. This decisive shift in momentum propelled him into the final, where he will face China’s Wen Ruibo.
The victory is particularly significant for Lebrun, currently ranked sixth in the world. Matsushima’s earlier upset of Wang Chuqin, a player who has often posed problems for the Frenchman, opened the door for Lebrun’s success. He capitalized on the opportunity, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and adapt his strategy mid-match.
This isn’t the first time Lebrun has demonstrated an ability to overcome adversity. His quarterfinal win against Calderano, where he saved three match points and rallied from a 3-1 deficit, highlighted his mental fortitude and technical skill. The ability to remain calm and focused in high-stakes situations is quickly becoming a hallmark of his game.
The WTT Champions events are considered among the most important tournaments in table tennis, ranking just below the Grand Slams in prestige. They attract the world’s top players and offer significant ranking points and prize money. Lebrun’s success in Chongqing underscores his position as a rising star in the sport.
Wen Ruibo, ranked 27th in the world, will undoubtedly present a different challenge in the final. While not as highly ranked as some of the other contenders in the tournament, Ruibo is a capable player who will be eager to capitalize on any opportunities. Lebrun will enter the match as the clear favorite, but he will need to maintain his focus and execute his game plan effectively to secure the title.
The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday at approximately 12:30 PM French time (UTC+2). For fans in North America, that translates to 6:30 AM Eastern Time. This match offers Lebrun the chance to add a WTT Champions title to his resume, building on his previous victory at Montpellier in late 2024. That win in Montpellier was a career highlight for the young Frenchman, and a repeat performance in Chongqing would further solidify his status as one of the world’s leading table tennis players.
The WTT Champions series continues to showcase the best talent in the sport, and Lebrun’s run in Chongqing has been a compelling narrative of resilience and determination. His ability to overcome adversity and perform at his best under pressure makes him a player to watch in the years to approach.
Archysport will provide updates following the final match between Félix Lebrun and Wen Ruibo.
