Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier, featuring two of the most prominent names in European table tennis, Felix and Alexis LEBRUN, successfully concluded the Round of 16 in the Champions League Men. The French team triumphed over Austria’s SPG Felbermayr Wels in both legs, showing their dominance and securing their place in the quarterfinals.
In today’s match in Austria, Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier sealed victory in four matches. Felix LEBRUN, the Olympic bronze medalist in singles from Paris 2024, demonstrated his exceptional skill by defeating both Andreas LEVENKO and Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK. Esteban DORR also contributed significantly by defeating LEVENKO in the opening duel of the match. The Austrian side managed one victory, with Felix WETZEL overcoming Alexis LEBRUN, Felix’s older brother, in a closely contested five-game battle.
The LEBRUN brothers continue to impress on the international stage. Felix and Alexis are not only Olympic medalists, winning bronze in the team event in Paris 2024 as a members of the team France, but also runners-up in the team event at the World Championships. Felix added to his accolades by claiming the singles title at the European Games, while Alexis struck gold at the European Championships in Linz in the singles category. The duo further solidified their dominance in doubles, capturing gold together at the same European Championships.
Their success has been instrumental in Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier’s progress in the Champions League. As they head into the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on the LEBRUN brothers on their journey to their first Final 4.
“I am very happy to be playing in the Champions League this year with my team, and it brings me great joy that we have reached the quarterfinals. Additionally, we will face Borussia Düsseldorf, the biggest team in Europe, on our way to the Final 4 in January, and I am really looking forward to that duel,” said Felix LEBRUN.
Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier coach Vincent AVRIL expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, from their success in Stage 1 matches to the impressive conclusion of the Round of 16 challenge.
“I am very happy with my entire team. Last time in Poland, without Alexis and Félix, we succeeded in winning the group. Now, after two very strong matches, we won 5-0 with only two games lost. I am very proud of my team. We are going to take some rest and prepare to be ready for Düsseldorf,” said coach AVRIL.
SPG Felbermayr Wels – Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier 1-3
- Andreas LEVENKO – Esteban DORR 0-3 (4-11, 7-11, 8-11)
- Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK – Felix LEBRUN 0-3 (8-11, 5- 11,10-12)
- Felix WETZEL – Alexis LEBRUN 3-2 (4-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8, 6-4)
- Andreas LEVENKO – Felix LEBRUN 0-3 (6-11, 4-11, 9-11)
Opening leg
Alliance Nîmes/Montpellier – SPG Felbermayr Wels 3-0
- Felix LEBRUN – Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK 3-1 (11-13, 11-5, 11-7, 11-4)
- Alexis LEBRUN – Andreas LEVENKO 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-7)
- Esteban DORR – Felix WETZEL 3-1 (11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-6)