Led 2 sets to 0 against the Taiwanese Lin Yun-Ju for his entry into the running at the WTT in Frankfurt, Alexis Lebrun finally lost 3 to 2 (11-5, 11-5, 9-11, 9-11, 12 -10).
The day after the victory of his little brother Félix against Simon Gauzy, it was Alexis Lebrun’s turn to enter the fray in this WTT Champions in Frankfurt. The reigning European champion and 13th in the world was opposed this Monday to world No.12 and last seed in the tournament, Lin Yun-Ju.
Thanks to his victory against the great Ma Long in the final last year, the Taiwanese is none other than the defending champion in Frankfurt. An opponent that Alexis Lebrun has never beaten on the circuit other than by forfeit, while their last meeting dates back to last February, during the World Team Championships (0-3).
A place for the finals to be secured
Alexis Lebrun also aimed to secure a place in the top 15 to ensure a presence at the WTT finals. Despite a difficult start to the match where he was quickly down 2 sets to 0, the eldest of the Montpellier brothers recovered well. He managed to get back together at the end of a breathtaking third set (11-9) then equalize in an equally crazy fourth set. Unfortunately, in this titanic duel marked by impressive points between the two men, it was the defending champion who ended up winning by snatching the fifth set (12-10). So it’s over for Alexis Lebrun in this Frankfurt tournament, under the eyes of his little brother Felix who will face the Korean An Jae-hyun (Wednesday November 6). The eldest Lebrun still remains in the running to qualify for the Fukuoka finals, but he no longer has his destiny in his hands anymore. Among the girls, Prithika Pavade won against the Korean Jihee (3-0). She will face the Japanese Odo, who took out the French No.1 Jianan Yuan (3-2).
Alexis Lebrun’s match against Lin Yun-Ju to relive by clicking on the video below:
