We have to finish the job. Qualified for the final of the men’s doubles tournament at the WTT Finals in Fukuoka, Alexis and Félix Lebrun have the opportunity to strike a big blow on Saturday (12:45 p.m. French time). By beating Esteban Dorr and Florian Bourrassaud in the semi-final (10-12, 5-11, 3-11), the two brothers, who made up the second pair in the world until now, made sure to overtake leaders Yuan Licen and Xiang Peng. The two Chinese were eliminated in the first round by the Singaporean duo composed of Pang Koen and Quek Izaac (11-6, 11-6, 11-9).
But facing them will be two big names in the race for first place in the world doubles rankings. In the final, the two Héraultais will indeed be opposed to the Japanese Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami, winner of the same Singaporeans in the semi-final this Friday (8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6).
The Japanese pair, who have 3,434 points in the rankings, will have the opportunity in the event of a victory against Lebrun to seize first place at the expense of the French table tennis players. Conversely, the French, who have 3,836 points, will have to win if they want to widen the gap and take the lead in the ranking. The winner of the match will earn 500 additional points.
For the last event of the WTT Series circuit of the year in Fukuoka, the Japanese tandem Shinozuka-Togami and the Lebrun siblings will therefore compete not only for a title, but also for the seat of world leader in doubles. The meeting will take place from 12:45 p.m. (French time), Saturday November 23.
