A first title shot for Max Verstappen, the table tennis Masters for the Lebrun brothers, a final test against Argentina for the French XV, the Alpine Ski World Cup and of course Ligue 1. Did he move to the sporting level this weekend? If you missed them, Franceinfo: sport offers you a summary of the highlights.
The Lebrun brothers on the roof of the ping
Before them, no European had reached the final of the WTT Finals, the equivalent of the Masters in tennis. But the Lebrun brothers got into the habit of writing history in 2024, and they won the doubles tournament which brought together the eight best pairs in the world.
Lebrun brothers, the crazy year
Winners of the WTT Finals in Fukuoka in doubles, brothers Alexis and Félix Lebrun take control of the world ranking in the specialty. A look back at the crazy year of the new darlings of French… and world table tennis.
In the final, Saturday November 23, the European champions battled but won against the Japanese pair Shunsuke Togami-Hiroto Shinozuka in five sets (12-14, 14-12, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4). A victory which allows them to become world number 1 in doubles, a first for a French pair. Under the eye of the public in Fukuoka (Japan), it was well worth a Dragon Ball celebration.
F1: Max Verstappen, four in a row
In Las Vegas, Max Verstappen chose the best place to conquer and celebrate his fourth Formula 1 world champion title. After 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Dutchman confirms his domination even if he has not had such a season easy than the previous one.
His Red Bull car is not as efficient as in recent seasons, but he was able to maximize his strengths to win this title. In Vegas for example, he finished fifth, for a victory for George Russell (Mercedes), but secured the essentials by finishing ahead of his runner-up Lando Norris. He has a 63-point lead and can no longer be caught two races from the end of the season.
Rugby: the Blues are spending the fall well
An appetizer against Japan, a shock at the top against New Zealand and a rough victory on Friday against Argentina to finish. The XV of France, mired this summer in extra-sporting affairs, reconciled with its public by finishing its autumn tour undefeated.
In different scenarios each time, the Blues got their heads back together to end a difficult year after the World Cup in style. For Fabien Galthié, forced to rotate a lot due to injuries, there are many lessons to learn in view of the Six Nations Tournament, which will begin on January 31. Antoine Dupont ended the blue weekend well by winning the title of best player of the year in rugby 7s.
Handball: the Blues are reassured
Manhandled on Friday by Spain (28-27), the Blues were reassured against Angola (30-24) on Sunday in Saint-Chamond. A dress rehearsal, a few days before the start of the Euro (November 28-December 15).
This will be a first test for new coach Sébastien Gardillou, who succeeded the legend Olivier Krumbholz. The Olympic vice-champions will meet Poland on Thursday in Basel.
Ligue 1: the top 4 ensures, the western clubs are in trouble
No problem for the leaders during this 12th day of Ligue 1. PSG (3-0 against Toulouse) and Monaco (3-2 against Brest) shook little, unlike Marseille (3-1 against Lens). ) and Lille (1-0 against Rennes), winners of bitter duels. In the top 5, only Lyon was slowed down (1-1 against Reims).
The western clubs are once again the big losers of the weekend. The Sampaoli effect had no effect on the Rennais, who slipped dangerously (15th). Brest and Angers also lost, as did Nantes, dominated by Le Havre à la Beaujoire and now penultimate in the championship. A setback accompanied by incidents in the stands.
Skiing: Clément Noël has a perfect start to the season
The pass of two for Clément Noël. Already winner in the slalom of Levi (Finland) a week earlier, the Vosges native achieved the double in Gurgl (Austria) on Sunday. After a first round which he flew through, without fault, the reigning Olympic champion in the discipline was a little more frightening in the second round, with a few errors, ultimately well managed.
He finished ahead of the Swede Kristoffer Jakobsen (+0''43) and the Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath (+0''44) to secure his 12th World Cup victory. Frenchman Steven Amiez, fourth, achieved his best result in the World Cup, just off the podium.
