Alexis LEBRUN of France successfully defended his title at the 2026 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux, overcoming Darko JORGIC of Slovenia in the final. The semifinalists were Germany’s Benedikt DUDA and France’s Félix LEBRUN.
Darko JORGIC – Alexis LEBRUN 1–3 (6–11, 6–11, 11–9, 6–11)
Playing his third Europe Top 16 Cup, LEBRUN delivered a composed and high-quality performance to retain the crown.
“I think I delivered an extraordinary performance, so I’m really happy. I feel great in this tournament. My whole family is here, my girlfriend is here supporting me as well, so honestly it’s just amazing to be here with all my loved ones and to perform, to play at this level. I’m really happy.
In the third game there was a bit more tension. Darko played better then. Yes, there was a bit of fear of winning for sure. I held back a little more on my shots and he caused me some problems by varying his serve, but I managed to recover well in the next set, so I’m really pleased.”
Asked about his plans after the victory, LEBRUN added:
“We’re going to go to the lake with Sabine, then I’ll sign a few autographs, and after that we’ll enjoy ourselves. I think there’s a nice meal waiting for us at the hotel, so we’re going to make the most of it.”
Reflecting on his semifinal performance, he said:
“I think I played at a really top level. He was a bit below his best, it was one of his average days, and I managed to take advantage of that. I’m happy to win after a small series of defeats, it feels good.”
On the evolution of his rivalry and head-to-head balance, LEBRUN explained:
“Every match is different. We’re both still quite young and our games are evolving a lot, so for now every match is really different.
I lost the last three times, so I don’t think I really have the upper hand. But today I had the solutions. Like I said, it was a slightly off day for him and a very good day for me. When it’s like that, I can take the advantage, but when we’re both having a good day, it’s always much closer.”
Benedikt DUDA – Darko JORGIC 1-3 (7-11, 11-6, 7-11, 4-11)
Three-time champion Darko JORGIC is competing in his seventh CCB Europe Top 16 Cup and has reached the final in five of his previous six appearances. For Benedikt DUDA, this marked only his second participation in the event, and the first time he managed to secure victories.
In the semifinals, JORGIC defeated DUDA, who had remarked before the match that Darko plays in Montreux as if it were his “living room.”
“I feel almost at home here and everyone was saying the same. However, I knew it was going to be extremely difficult. Still, from the very first point I felt I was in good form and exactly where I wanted to be,” said JORGIC.
He added: “In January I lost 3–0 to Benedict in Doha. I had beaten him before, but I knew this would be a very demanding match because he has improved a lot. I had to work for every single point. In the second game I lost focus a bit and started playing his game, which didn’t suit me, but I quickly returned to my own rhythm.”
Alexis LEBRUN – Felix LEBRUN 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-9)
The clash between brothers Alexis and Felix LEBRUN ignited a fully packed Omnisports venue in Montreux. Spectators were treated to a fast, fierce and razor-sharp contest, packed with explosive rallies, lightning-quick exchanges and constant tactical adjustments. Every point was contested at high intensity, with both players pushing the pace and precision to the limit in a battle that rarely offered any breathing space.
Technically, the two were evenly matched, showing outstanding touch and shot quality. The difference lay in the mental aspect: Alexis, backed by a stronger record at this level, appeared to handle the pressure more comfortably.
After a commanding and composed performance, the victory went to the older brother, Alexis. Both LEBRUN brothers are making their third appearance at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup.
“We both warmed up separately, each on our own table, but still in a good atmosphere as usual. Playing against each other didn’t change our routines,” said Alexis after the match.
