The affront had already been perpetrated by reaching the final of the WTT Finals, being the first Europeans in history to achieve this feat. But the Lebrun brothers decided to push the envelope even further. Pushing the limits of what is acceptable.
The Lebrun brothers push the envelope too far
However, the match started magnificently. Opposed to the Japanese Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka, the Lebrun brothers lost the first set at the end of the suspense (12-14), before being led 8-3 in the second. The Japanese table tennis players are only a set and a half away from a coronation in these WTT Finals. But even with the support of their public in Fukuoka, they can do nothing against the Lebruns. Indeed, Alexis and Félix lined up 7-1 at the worst of times, which allowed them to snatch the victory in the second set (14-12), all while saving a set point. Going from 2-0 for the Japanese to 1-1 is clearly not the idea we have of table tennis in our dreams.
The reigning European doubles champions didn't ask for that much, and continued with their terrible momentum. Now leading two sets to one, the Japanese live only for suspense, and decide to win the fourth set. A mano a mano to keep away from all the people with heart problems around you. From then on, everything will be decided in the fifth and final round. But the flop is total; the Lebruns do not offer any teasing, and give a beating to the Japanese (11-4). A coronation which allows them to become the first Europeans to win at the WTT Finals, and the first French people in history to become world number 1. All in the same day. We would have been better off not leaving our family meal.
“To be world number 1? Of course it's a great achievement, it's incredible to be number one in doubles with Alex. The biggest goal is to win titles, the ranking is the consequence. But yes, being world number 1 has been a dream since we were little” Félix Lebrun
