Nîmes-Montpellier stuns Borussia Düsseldorf (3-1) to claim historic maiden Champions League final berth
The Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier Table Tennis (ANMTT) has scripted history by ousting Borussia Düsseldorf in a breathtaking Champions League semi-final clash. The French outfit, featuring rising stars Alexis and Félix Lebrun, secured a dramatic 3-1 victory to book their place in the final against Germany’s FC Sarrebruck, the tournament’s heavy favorites.
After suffering a quarter-final loss to Düsseldorf last season, ANMTT turned the tables with a masterclass performance, led by the indomitable Lebrun brothers. Their journey to the final showcases the club’s rapid ascent in European table tennis and the relentless progress of France’s young pongists.
Félix and Alexis Lebrun steal the show in commanding displays
Alexis Lebrun, ranked No.12 in the world, set the tone with a flawless three-set dismantling of Düsseldorf’s top seed Dang Qiu (No.10) — 11-5, 11-8, 11-8. “It’s never easy against Dang Qiu, but I played a great match,” the Montpellier ace declared, igniting French hopes before handing the baton to his younger brother.
Félix Lebrun, France’s No.3, faced Sweden’s Anton Källberg (No.32) in the second rubber. Despite a nervy second set, he prevailed 11-9, 16-14, 11-8, maintaining the team’s momentum. The third match saw American Kanak Jha (No.27) edge India’s Manav Thakkar (No.37) 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, narrowing Düsseldorf’s margin for error.
Félix delivers in the clinch to secure ANMTT’s place in the final
The fourth and decisive rubber belonged to Félix again. Trailing 8-11 in the fourth set and battling three set points in the opener, he summoned nerves of steel to close out Düsseldorf’s challenge 16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8. “It was brutal out there,” he admitted, “but we never gave up.” His heroics sealed ANMTT’s maiden Champions League final appearance, a testament to the club’s growing ambitions and the Lebrun brothers’ world-class talent.
Next stop: Sarrebruck and a clash with table tennis royalty
ANMTT now faces FC Sarrebruck, the competition’s three-time defending champions and home favorites, led by Chinese superstar Fan Zhendong. The final, set for Sunday at 14:00 CET, promises fireworks as two contrasting narratives collide: Sarrebruck’s dominance against ANMTT’s David-versus-Goliath story. One thing is certain — the Lebrun brothers won’t be intimidated.
This milestone writes a new chapter in French table tennis, proving that dreams in the sport are no longer confined to the drawing board. With two prodigies at the helm, ANMTT and France’s table tennis future look brighter than ever.