Félix Lebrun Continues Ascent with Historic Win in China
Chongqing, China – Félix Lebrun cemented his status as a rising force in international table tennis, capturing the WTT Champions Chongqing 2026 title on Sunday with a commanding 4-1 victory over China’s Wen Ruibo. At just 19 years old, the Frenchman secured his second WTT Champions title, adding to the one he won in Montpellier a year and a half prior. This win marks a significant milestone in Lebrun’s burgeoning career and underscores his potential to become a dominant figure in the sport.
Lebrun navigated a challenging field of the world’s top players, demonstrating resilience and composure in crucial moments throughout the tournament. His triumph in Chongqing adds another prestigious trophy to his collection and represents one of the most impactful performances of his young career. The victory is particularly noteworthy given the challenging environment and the strength of the competition.
A Solid Final Against Wen Ruibo
The final pitted Lebrun against Wen Ruibo, a player who had emerged as a strong contender throughout the tournament. Facing a partisan crowd at the Bloomage Biotech Biohyalux ECM Arena, Lebrun quickly established control. He displayed dynamic play from the outset, gaining an advantage in the early exchanges through his strong short game and ability to accelerate at key moments.
This dominance allowed him to secure the first two games convincingly, 11-5 and 11-8. Wen Ruibo responded by taking the third game 9-11, injecting some tension into the match. However, Lebrun remained unfazed, winning the fourth game 11-7. The fifth game proved to be a tightly contested affair, but Lebrun’s precision in the decisive points ultimately secured his victory, closing out the match 13-11 and completing the 4-1 win.
A Grueling Path to the Final
While the final was relatively controlled, Lebrun’s journey to the championship match was marked by several intensely competitive encounters. He began with a solid performance against Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, followed by a decisive victory over South Korea’s An Jaehyun in the round of 16. The quarterfinals and semifinals presented significant challenges.
Against Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in the quarterfinals, Lebrun found himself trailing three games to one. Demonstrating remarkable tenacity, he orchestrated a stunning comeback, fueled by aggressive play and strategic decision-making, to win 4-3. The semifinal against Japan’s Sora Matsushima mirrored this scenario. Again, Lebrun fell behind 3-1, but he rallied to reverse the situation and secure a 4-3 victory, earning his place in the final.
Second Champions Title and a New Milestone
With his victory in Chongqing, Félix Lebrun now holds two WTT Champions titles, adding to his previous win in Montpellier in 2024. The WTT Champions series is considered one of the most prestigious on the international circuit, comparable to the Masters 1000 events in tennis. This title also represents his sixth senior WTT singles championship overall. At just 19 years old, Lebrun is solidifying his position among the world’s elite table tennis players.
This success builds upon a rapid ascent for the Frenchman, who previously earned a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games before his first WTT Champions title. The Chongqing win also carries symbolic weight. By winning the tournament on Chinese soil, Félix Lebrun became the first foreign player to win a major competition organized in China since the creation of the WTT circuit – a significant achievement that further highlights his growing international prominence and moves him closer to the world’s top 5 rankings.
Lebrun’s unique playing style, utilizing a penholder grip and reverse penhold backhand, sets him apart in a sport largely dominated by shakehand players. His success with this unconventional technique, particularly against a Chinese player in China, is a testament to his skill and adaptability.
“This is an amazing journey,” Lebrun said after the match, as reported by Olympics.com. “I am super excited that I won an event held in China.”
The final was a meeting of two 19-year-olds, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of the sport. Lebrun’s path to the final included victories over established players like Calderano and Matsushima, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.
Félix Lebrun’s next competitive appearance is yet to be announced, but fans can follow updates on the World Table Tennis website (https://www.worldtabletennis.com/) and his social media channels for the latest news. The young Frenchman’s continued success promises to be a captivating storyline in the world of table tennis for years to approach.
