Chongqing, China – Félix Lebrun continued his impressive run at the WTT Champions Chongqing tournament on Saturday, delivering a stunning victory over world No. 4 Hugo Calderano in a thrilling quarterfinal match. The 19-year-old Frenchman overcame a significant deficit, saving three match points to defeat the Brazilian 4-3 and secure his place in the semifinals.
The match, a rollercoaster of momentum swings, saw Lebrun ultimately prevail with a scoreline of 10-12, 11-9, 10-12, 10-12, 11-8, 13-11, 13-11. This victory underscores Lebrun’s growing reputation for mental fortitude and resilience on the table tennis circuit. It’s a significant step forward for the young star as he continues to establish himself among the elite players in the sport.
A Comeback Fueled by Determination
Lebrun, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, faced a stern test against Calderano, a seasoned competitor and former world champion. The opening games saw Calderano assert his dominance, taking an early 3-1 lead. However, Lebrun refused to yield, demonstrating a remarkable ability to regroup and elevate his game when facing adversity. The turning point came as he began to effectively counter Calderano’s powerful offensive play, saving three match points in a tense sixth game.
The sixth game was particularly dramatic, with Lebrun trailing 9-10 and then 10-11 before clawing his way back to win 13-11. This momentum carried over into the decisive seventh game, where he maintained his composure and secured the victory, 13-11. The ability to withstand pressure and capitalize on crucial opportunities proved to be the defining factor in Lebrun’s triumph.
Semifinal Clash Awaits
With the win, Lebrun advances to the semifinals where he will face Sora Matsushima of Japan. Matsushima also delivered an upset on Saturday, defeating the world No. 1 Wang Chuqin. This result sets the stage for an intriguing semifinal matchup between two of the sport’s rising stars. Matsushima’s victory over Wang Chuqin demonstrates his potential to challenge the top players in the world, making this a particularly compelling contest.
The semifinal between Lebrun and Matsushima is scheduled for Sunday, promising another exciting day of competition at the WTT Champions Chongqing. For Lebrun, this represents a golden opportunity to reach the final and compete for the title. The match will be a test of both players’ tactical acumen and mental strength, as they vie for a spot in the championship match.
A Tough Battle Against a Familiar Foe
Lebrun’s victory over Calderano marked their ninth encounter in less than three years, highlighting the frequency with which these two talented players have crossed paths on the international stage. Despite a slow start, Lebrun found a way to disrupt Calderano’s rhythm and exploit his opponent’s weaknesses. The Frenchman’s ability to adapt his strategy throughout the match was crucial to his success.
The match was a testament to Lebrun’s growing maturity as a player. He demonstrated a willingness to take risks and a determination to fight for every point, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. This resilience is a hallmark of his game and a key reason for his rapid ascent in the world rankings.
This win also keeps Lebrun in contention for a second WTT Champions title, following his previous victory at the event in Montpellier in October 2024. He is the last remaining French player in the tournament, carrying the hopes of his nation as he progresses through the competition.
What’s Next for Lebrun?
Félix Lebrun will face Sora Matsushima in the semifinal of the WTT Champions Chongqing on Sunday. The exact time of the match is yet to be confirmed, but updates will be available on the official WTT website ([https://worldtabletennis.com/](https://worldtabletennis.com/)). Fans can also follow the action on the WTT YouTube channel ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH9KVNZt_5A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH9KVNZt_5A)).
Lebrun’s performance in Chongqing will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he looks ahead to future tournaments and international competitions. His ability to overcome adversity and defeat top-ranked opponents demonstrates his potential to become a dominant force in the world of table tennis.
Worth a look
