After missing the World Team Championships in London due to a 3-1 loss to China, the Lebrun brothers returned with a vengeance. Alexis and Félix delivered clutch performances to propel their team to new heights in Europe’s top club competition.

Alexis and Félix Lebrun dominate Düsseldorf

Alexis Lebrun, ranked 12th globally, set the tone by dismantling Düsseldorf’s top player, Dang Qiu (world No. 10), in straight sets (11-5, 11-8, 11-8). “It’s never easy against Dang Qiu, but I played a great match,” he reflected afterward, handing the baton to his younger brother.

Félix Lebrun, the world No. 3, didn’t disappoint. He overpowered Sweden’s Anton Källberg (No. 32) in three intense sets (11-9, 16-14, 11-8), though not without a fierce battle in the second game, where he saved multiple set points.

The third match saw Manav Thakkar (world No. 37) push the American Kanak Jha to the limit before falling 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9. With the series tied at 2-2, all eyes turned to Félix for the decisive fifth rubber.

Félix saves the day in dramatic fashion

The younger Lebrun delivered under immense pressure, saving three match points in the opening set before closing out a thrilling 16-14 victory. Though he dropped the second set 9-11, Félix regrouped to take the third and fourth sets (11-5, 11-8), sealing the win and a place in the final.

His performance was nothing short of heroic, earning praise from teammates and fans alike. “It was the toughest match of the day,” he admitted, but his determination never wavered.

The victory marks a historic milestone for ANMTT, which had never reached the Champions League final before. Now, they face FC Sarrebruck, the tournament’s heavy favorite and three-time defending champions, led by the world No. 1 Fan Zhendong.

A clash between underdogs and champions awaits in what promises to be an unforgettable final.