In Montpellier, in front of an audience entirely committed to his cause, Alexis Lebrun did not find the key against an imperial Truls Moregard. The Swede, fifth in the world, won with authority (4–1: 12–10, 11–7, 13–15, 11–4, 11–5) in the semi-final of the WTT Champions. Despite great resistance, the Frenchman suffered the law of an inspired, lucid and ruthless opponent.
In a white-hot South of France Arena, Alexis Lebrun hoped to offer the Montpellier public a new feat. But Truls Moregard5th in the world and faithful to his warrior temperament on the circuit, stifled the Frenchman from the first exchanges. Variations of rhythm, lightning backhands, power on each initiative, the Swede imposed an infernal tempo on the young Frenchman.
The score, although tight in the first set (10–12), quickly turned to the advantage of the Scandinavian, whose precision made the difference. “I think he was super strong. He played so well, he broke the rhythm with his backhand, he varied the trajectories well and it was very hard for me to find my ground line”, admitted Alexis Lebrun at the microphone of RMC Sport, lucid about the superiority of the day of his opponent.
Alexis Lebrun without regrets, but aware of his limits
Known for his combativeness and his tactical sense, the Frenchman never gave up. The third set, won in a landslide (15–13), gave a glimpse of hope, but quickly swept away by the Swede's rigor. “I think that in serve-and-return he managed to be very aggressive, which really bothered me and I was not able to raise my level in this sector of play,” continued Alexis Lebrun, visibly frustrated but lucid.
If he was not unworthy, the eldest of the Lebrun brothers knows that the step was too high today to hope for anything. “Even though in this tournament I have a very high level in the exchange, he is very powerful, he varies his trajectories well. I didn't miss my match but he dominated me from start to finish. There aren't that many regrets in the end. When you see the five sets, he was on top. It hurts but that's how it is.”
“I hope you will be behind me in the final”
For Truls Moregard, this victory in Montpellier has a special flavor. Facing a knowledgeable and passionate French publicthe Swede savored his success while showing great respect towards his opponent and the French nation. “I have great respect for France as a table tennis nation. I knew it would be very hard today but I took advantage of the moment. I really wanted to win today and I hope you will be behind me in the final,” he confided to the WTT microphone.
The Scandinavian will face this Sunday at 5 p.m. the 18-year-old Japanese prodigy, Sora Matsushima for the title of the WTT Champions of Montpellier.
