Once again the best players from the Continent will gather at the 2024 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux scheduled for Saturday January 20th and Sunday January 21st 2024. Making their debut at this tournament with a rich and long tradition (first played in 1971 in Zadar) we will witness the action of two of French sport’s finest brothers Félix and Alexis LEBRUN aged just 17 and 20 respectively. While the younger Félix leads the seedings Alexis is seeded at position no. 8 in Switzerland.
From both being ranked over 750th in the world to start 2022 the French players made an incredible run reaching positions no. 8 and no. 23 respectively at the end of 2023. Both brothers were immersed in the sport from a very young age which is no surprise considering their table tennis relatives. Their father Stéphane was ranked as high as the French national number 7 while the boys’ uncle Christophe LEGOÛT represented France at three Olympic Games (1996 2000 2008).
Currently Alexis is on duty in Doha where he plays the WTT Finals Doubles Event with his brother. Félix also plays in Singles. After Qatar they will fly back to Europe to be part of the prestigious 2024 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux.
“I am very happy to make my debut in the European Top 16. It will be a very intense tournament and I hope to play well and try to win ” said Alexis.
The list of players is as impressive as ever. Besides the LEBRUN brothers in Montreux Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany his compatriot QIU Dang and Slovenia’s Darko JORGIC the reigning champion will play. Also Swede Anton KALLBERG Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS Swede Truls MOREGARD Liam PITCHFORD of England Danes Jonathan GROTH and Anders LIND Portugal’s Joao GERALDO Spain’s Alvaro ROBLES Croatia’s Tomislav PUCAR Ukraine’s Yaroslav ZHMUDENKO and the host nation representative Loic STOLL.
Who do you find the most challenging to play against and who is currently in the best form?
“I think all the players play very well. Players are very strong and in this tournament it’s all the best European players so it will be very interesting. I think Félix played at a very good level during the last tournament.”
Have you looked up to any of them in your early days?
“I watched a lot of videos of Simon GAUZY because he was the French number one but I also watched some videos of Dima when I was younger.”
Alexis played at the mixed World Cup and finished in the 5th place before he moved to Doha for doubles finals and Star Contender.
“I feel very good. I’m in good shape so I’m excited to play the tournament.”
What goals do you have for the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux?
“My goal in the Top 16 is to win.”
What is your best moment in 2023?
“Personally my highlight of the year is my victory against FAN Zhendong. It was the most memorable moment of my 2023 season.”
Lastly could you share your goals for 2024?
“For 2024 my goals are to take medals in big tournaments and of course the Olympic Games in Paris ” stated Alexis LEBRUN.
