Alexis Lebrun Secures European Top 16 Crown
French table tennis prodigy Alexis Lebrun has etched his name into history by capturing the European Top 16 title on Sunday, February 23rd, in Montreux, Switzerland. The prestigious tournament brings together the continent’s elite players, and Lebrun’s triumph marks only the second time a Frenchman has claimed the title.
Lebrun, currently ranked 10th in the world, battled through a competitive field to reach the final, where he faced off against Slovenian Darko Jorgic. The match was a thrilling affair, with Lebrun ultimately prevailing 3-1. With this victory, he joins Jean-Philippe Gatien as the only two French male players to win the European Top 16, with Gatien having achieved the feat in 1997.
Lebrun’s triumph serves as a testament to his impressive return to the international singles scene in 2025. Earlier this year, he reached the semi-finals of the Grand Smash of Singapore, the first major tournament of the season, signaling his resurgence as a force to be reckoned with.
At just 21 years old, Lebrun has already ascended to the top 10 in the world rankings, reaching his highest career ranking in February. His exceptional performance at the European Top 16, where he dropped only one set, further solidifies his status as a rising star.
Lebrun’s path to victory in Montreux was far from easy. He faced a series of formidable opponents, including Austrian Daniel Habesohn, German Dang Qiu, and compatriot Patrick Franziska. Franziska had previously defeated Lebrun’s brother, Felix, in the previous round.
In the final, Lebrun displayed nerves of steel to overcome Jorgic, a three-time winner of the European Top 16. This was not the first time Lebrun had bested his Slovenian rival, as he had previously defeated him in the opening round of the WTT tournament in Chongqing, China, last year.
Lebrun’s triumph in Montreux is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the bright future that lies ahead of him in the sport of table tennis. His victory is a source of pride for France and a testament to the strength and depth of their table tennis program.
Table Tennis in France
Table tennis holds a significant place in French sporting culture. The country has a rich history in the sport, with numerous players achieving notable success on the international stage. Jean-Philippe Gatien, who won the European Top 16 title in 1997, remains an iconic figure in French table tennis.
In recent years, a new generation of French players has emerged, led by Alexis Lebrun. These young athletes are pushing the boundaries of the sport and inspiring a new wave of enthusiasm for table tennis in France.
The French Table Tennis Federation (FFT) is responsible for governing the sport in the country. The FFT plays a vital role in promoting and developing table tennis at all levels, from grassroots to the elite.
France has a strong infrastructure for table tennis, with numerous clubs, training centers, and tournaments spread across the country. This provides a solid foundation for the development of young players and helps to foster a vibrant and competitive environment for the sport.
Looking Ahead
Alexis Lebrun’s victory at the European Top 16 is a major milestone in his career, but he is far from satisfied. His goal is to continue to climb the world rankings and challenge for major titles on the international stage.
The next major tournament on Lebrun’s schedule is the World Table Tennis Championships, scheduled to be held in Durban, South Africa, in May 2026. This will be a daunting challenge for Lebrun, as he faces off against the world’s best players, including current world champion Fan Zhendong of China.
However, Lebrun is confident in his abilities and determined to make a statement at the World Championships. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, he has the potential to achieve great things in the sport of table tennis.
