Ligue des Champions: ANMTT shocks Düsseldorf to reach final

The unthinkable became reality on Saturday as the Alliance Nîmes-Montpellier (ANMTT) stunned Borussia Düsseldorf 3-1 to secure a spot in the Champions League table tennis final. The French team, led by the dynamic Lebrun brothers, delivered a masterclass against the tournament favorites, setting up a blockbuster showdown with FC Sarrebruck.

A historic milestone for French table tennis

Making their first-ever Final Four appearance, the ANMTT has rewritten the script in dramatic fashion. After falling to Düsseldorf in last year’s quarterfinals, the French squad turned the tables with a commanding victory that showcased their relentless progress. The momentum shift was palpable, fueled by the rising star power of Alexis and Félix Lebrun, whose performances continue to redefine French table tennis.

Alexis Lebrun leads the charge

Under the weight of expectations, Alexis Lebrun (world No. 12) delivered when it mattered most. The Montpellier ace dismantled Düsseldorf’s top seed, Dang Qiu (world No. 10), in three straight sets (11-5, 11-8, 11-8), setting the tone for the match. “It’s never easy against Dang Qiu, but I played a great match,” he reflected, handing the baton to his younger brother with confidence.

Félix Lebrun seals the deal

Félix Lebrun (world No. 3) didn’t just rise to the occasion—he elevated it. Against Sweden’s Anton Källberg (world No. 32), the 20-year-old exhibited nerves of steel, surviving a grueling second set before closing out the match 11-9, 16-14, 11-8. His heroics extended into the decisive fourth rubber, where he outlasted Qiu once more (16-14, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8), sending the French crowd into raptures.

With the series locked at 2-1, the final point fell to Manav Thakkar against the United States’ Kanak Jha. Though the Indian player pushed hard, Thakkar’s composure prevailed in a thrilling four-set clash (11-9, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9), sealing the historic qualification.

A final against the dynasty

Now, the ANMTT faces FC Sarrebruck and its superstar Fan Zhendong, the reigning champion and a three-time titleholder. The German team, undefeated on home soil, stands as the undisputed favorite. Yet, after Saturday’s display, nothing can be taken for granted. The Lebrun brothers and their team have proven they belong among Europe’s elite—and they’re here to make history.