They did it! After a commanding 3-1 victory over Borussia Düsseldorf on Saturday, the Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier (ANMTT) has achieved a remarkable feat, securing their place in the Champions League final. This marks a historic first for ANMTT, a triumph largely attributed to the stellar performances of the Lebrun brothers, who consistently delivered under pressure. Now, the stage is set for the ultimate showdown against the formidable “dream team” of FC Saarbrücken, a side that appears nearly invincible.
In their inaugural appearance in the Champions League final four, Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier defied expectations, advancing to the championship match on Saturday afternoon. They decisively overcame Borussia Düsseldorf, the very team that had eliminated them in the quarter-finals just last year. This time, however, the relentless ascent of the Lebrun brothers proved to be the decisive factor, making all the difference.
Reinvigorated after their 3-1 defeat to China in the semi-finals of the World Team Championships in London, both Alexis and Félix Lebrun delivered pivotal performances, propelling ANMTT into the final against FC Saarbrücken. Saarbrücken is widely considered the overwhelming favorite, particularly with the home crowd advantage. Earlier on Saturday, the German powerhouse secured an overwhelming 3-0 victory against Poland’s Grodzisk in the first semi-final. While Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier faced a tougher challenge, Düsseldorf ultimately had to concede defeat.
Alexis and Félix Lebrun unstoppable
Alexis Lebrun (World No. 12) set the tone for the team. The Montpellier native faced the crucial task of giving his team an early lead, which he accomplished with a dominant straight-sets victory (11-5, 11-8, 11-8) over Dang Qiu (World No. 10), Düsseldorf’s highest-ranked player. “It’s never easy against Dang Qiu, but I played a great match,” Alexis stated, before passing the baton to his brother Félix, who brought an equally fierce determination.
Match Results
Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier defeats Borussia Düsseldorf (3-1)
Match 1: Alexis Lebrun (FRA/N.12) defeats Dan Qiu (GER/N.10) 11-5, 11-8, 11-8
Match 2: Félix Lebrun (FRA/N.3) defeats Anton Källberg (SWE/N.32) 11-9, 16-14, 11-8
Match 3: Kanak Jha (USA/N.27) defeats Manav Thakkar (IND/N.37/) 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9
Match 4: Félix Lebrun (FRA/N.3) defeats Dan Qiu (GER/N.10) 16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8
Cheered on by a large contingent of French supporters, “Féfé” left nothing to chance. He also secured a straight-sets win (11-9, 16-14, 11-8), encountering significant resistance only in the second set, which he fought hard to win after facing multiple set points.
Félix delivers the decisive blow
The responsibility then fell to Manav Thakkar (World No. 37) to seal the victory against American Kanak Jha. Despite a spirited third set, the Indian player was ultimately defeated 11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9.
The task was deferred, with Félix stepping up as the team’s savior. Electrified, the younger Lebrun brother had qualification within his grasp and seized the opportunity. It was a grueling battle, particularly the first game, which he won 16-14 after saving three set points! The rest of the match unfolded in a similar intense fashion, culminating in what was arguably the day’s most thrilling encounter. With arms raised in triumph, “Féfé” celebrated a magnificent victory (16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8).
The team fought valiantly to earn their right to compete in this prestigious final. ANMTT undeniably rose to the occasion. The focus now shifts to Sunday’s 2 PM final against FC Saarbrücken, featuring superstar Fan Zhendong, a triple defending champion. One thing is certain: it will be an entirely different challenge.
Further updates to follow…
