Chongqing, China – The WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 tournament is set to conclude with a compelling men’s singles final on Sunday, featuring 19-year-old Félix Lebrun of France and China’s Wen Ruibo. Lebrun’s remarkable run through the tournament has captivated fans, and he’ll look to secure his second Champions-level title against a determined opponent on home soil. The match promises a clash of styles and a test of resilience for both rising stars in the world of table tennis.
Lebrun’s Dramatic Path to the Final
Félix Lebrun has demonstrated exceptional form and mental fortitude throughout the WTT Champions Chongqing event. His journey to the final was far from straightforward, requiring him to overcome significant challenges and showcase his ability to perform under pressure. In the quarterfinal, Lebrun faced a formidable opponent in Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, the World Cup winner, and secured a thrilling victory after saving three match points and rallying from a two-set deficit. He ultimately prevailed 4-3, a testament to his unwavering determination.
The semifinal presented another stern test against Japan’s Sora Matsushima. Lebrun once again found himself trailing, this time falling behind 3-1 in sets. However, he mounted a stunning comeback, winning three consecutive sets to clinch the match 4-3 and earn his place in the final. This resilience has turn into a hallmark of Lebrun’s game, and it will be crucial as he faces Wen Ruibo.
Wen Ruibo’s Upset Run
Wen Ruibo has also enjoyed a successful tournament, navigating a challenging draw and exceeding expectations with several impressive victories. His semifinal match saw him defeat another Japanese player, Tomokazu Harimoto, in a five-set thriller, winning 4-2. This victory was particularly noteworthy as Wen Ruibo had previously upset Sweden’s Truls Moregard, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, in the round of 16.
Wen Ruibo’s success is a significant achievement, especially considering his world ranking of 27th. His ability to defeat higher-ranked opponents demonstrates his potential and suggests he will be a dangerous competitor in the final. He’s clearly peaking at the right time, fueled by the energy of the home crowd.
A Clash of Styles and Generations
The final between Lebrun and Wen Ruibo represents a meeting of two of the most promising young players in table tennis. Both are 19 years old and are quickly establishing themselves as forces to be reckoned with on the international stage. However, their playing styles differ significantly.
Lebrun is known for his distinctive penhold grip and quick-fire attacks. He is considered a genuine outlier at the top of the modern game, where the shakehand grip is dominant. His success with this unconventional style is particularly impressive, and it has earned him recognition as a player to watch. Wen Ruibo, whereas also a dynamic player, employs a more traditional approach.
What’s at Stake?
While Félix Lebrun is currently ranked higher at No. 6 in the world, the match is expected to be closely contested. Wen Ruibo’s recent victories over highly-ranked opponents suggest he is capable of upsetting the Frenchman on his home court. A win for Lebrun would further solidify his position among the elite players in the world and add to his growing list of accomplishments, which already includes titles at the 2023 European Games, the 2023 WTT Contender Antalya, the 2024 WTT Star Contender Goa, and the 2024 WTT Champions Montpellier. This would be his seventh senior singles championship and his second at the Champions level.
For Wen Ruibo, a victory would be a monumental achievement, representing a significant breakthrough in his career and a source of national pride for China. It would also signal a potential shift in the landscape of men’s table tennis, demonstrating the emergence of a new generation of Chinese stars.
How to Watch the Final
The WTT Champions Chongqing final between Félix Lebrun and Wen Ruibo is scheduled for Sunday, March 15th, starting at 12:30 local time (approximately 04:30 UTC). Fans can watch the match live on the L’Equipe live platform. Live updates and coverage will also be available on the website of Le Parisien.
Following this highly anticipated final, attention will turn to the next events on the WTT calendar, as players continue to compete for ranking points and championship titles. The outcome of this match will undoubtedly have implications for the upcoming tournaments and the overall standings in men’s table tennis.
