Tuesday evening, the Sud de France Arena in Montpellier vibrated to the rhythm of an anthology match between Jules Rolland and the Chinese Liang Jingkun, world number 4 and seed number 2 of the WTT Champions in Montpellier. The French table tennis player, ranked 106th in the world, led a heroic fight, pushing his opponent hard before losing with honors (11-7, 15-13, 7-11, 10-12, 11-5).
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Jules Rolland 2οΈβ£-3οΈβ£ Liang JINGKUN
What a match from our Julo which worried the world No. 4 until the end! π€―#WTTMontpellier #WTTChampions pic.twitter.com/gmx3vm8dfz
β French Table Tennis Federation (@ffttofficiel) October 22, 2024
An epic duel and an audience on fire
From the first exchanges, the Montpellier public voiced its unwavering support for Jules Rolland, a member of the French team at the Paris Olympic Games as a substitute. Facing one of the best players in the world, Rolland, 24, had nothing to lose and everything to gain. After losing the first set (11-7) despite a good start (6-7), he managed to lead largely in the second (8-3). However, after obtaining three set points, Rolland saw Liang Jingkun come back to win 15-13 in a thrilling finish.
A spectacular rise
Despite this hard blow, Rolland did not give up. In the third set, he found solutions and took the upper hand (11-7), before delivering a memorable fourth set. Trailing 0-5, the Frenchman drew on his resources to come back, even saving two match points, including one thanks to incredible defense on a high ball, and another on a dazzling backhand. He ultimately won that set 12-10, forcing a deciding fifth set.
Mr. Jules Rolland! πͺ
πΊ RMC Sport#WTTMontpellier #WTTChampions pic.twitter.com/XU2oKIBTNC
β French Table Tennis Federation (@ffttofficiel) October 22, 2024
Beauty, too far
In this last act, despite the momentum created by his return, Rolland failed to contain the experience and consistency of Liang Jingkun. The Chinese was relentless, winning 11-5 and closing a spectacular duel which lasted almost an hour. But the public was not mistaken: Rolland, although eliminated, had delivered an exceptional performance.
Regrets, but also positives
Questioned at the end of the match, Jules Rolland did not hide his disappointment: βThere are inevitably regrets, and I find it difficult to have fun in defeatβhe confided. But he also recognized the incredible atmosphere in the Arena: βThe atmosphere was special, the people incredible, I donβt know if I will experience it again. […] He is not world number 4 for nothing. Β» Although disappointed at the time, Rolland remains aware that he will learn positive lessons from this experience.
The rest of the tournament for the Blues
If Jules Rolland left the tournament with his head held high, the Lebrun brothers and Prithika Pavade will take the stage this Wednesday. Alexis and FΓ©lix Lebrun, hopes of French table tennis, as well as Prithika Pavade, promise to continue the momentum of this WTT Champions of Montpellier, the first edition of the tournament in France. All will be impatiently awaited by an audience committed to their cause, ready to experience new moments of thrill.
