Alex Lebrun (Photo WTT)
Felix Lebrun sparked the comeback of the tournament, as France rallied from 1-5 down to stun second seeds Japan 8-5 at the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup in Chengdu. But the victory was not enough for the French side to qualify for Stage 3 of the competition, that also serves a qualifier for the LA Olympics.
France started off in the worst way possible. The mixed doubles was one-sided, with Mima Ito-Hiroto Shinozuka dismantling Alexis Lebrun-Jia Nan Yuan. After edging a tight opener 13-11, the Japanese pair dominated 11-4 in the second and handed out the tournament’s first “donut” with an 11-0 third game.
Satsuki Odo then faced a surprising challenge from Prithika Pavade in the women’s singles. Pavade showed why she is considered France’s future, as she played without pressure, winning the first game 12-10. But Odo steadied herself to win 2-1, despite Pavade’s best efforts.
Trailing 1-5, France’s revival began. Felix Lebrun thrashed World No. 5 Tomokazu Harimoto in what can only be called a drubbing. Both players thrive close to the table with speed and sharp backhands, but Lebrun’s superior serve and receive game proved decisive. Lebrun did not allow the Japanese any time to process what was happening as played short, crisp rallies, conceding only 13 points in a stunning 3-0 win.
Felix was now joined by brother Alexis, and together they piled more misery on Japan in the men’s doubles. Once again it was Harimoto who bore the brunt, as he and partner Hiroto Shinozuka were left reeling by flashes of Lebrun brilliance. The brothers delivered a masterclass in aggression from mid-distance, unleashing wave after wave of attacking play. Shinozuka held his ground well, showing quality in the rallies, but Harimoto faltered, struggling both with confidence and with adjusting to the relentless pace. The Lebruns swept the match 3-0, pushing France into a 7-5 lead.
But there was no room for complacency from France. They had suffered heartbreak in earlier women’s doubles matches, losing tight deciders to Korea Republic and Hong Kong. It looked set to repeat when Mima Ito-Satsuki Odo stormed through the first two games 11-4, levelling the tie at 7-7. But Jia Nan Yuan and Pavade started well in the decider, with a few good shots and some strokes of luck. They had to hold their nerve as they staved off a late Japanese comeback to win 11-8 in the decider, capping off an incredible comeback.
Though France’s campaign ends here, they will cherish this remarkable comeback and the positive finish to their tournament.
China win in the battle of the 2 top seeds, prevail 8-5 over Japan on Table 1
China finally ended Japan’s unbeaten run earlier in the morning, winning 8–5 in their toughest fixture yet in a match that felt like a potential preview of the final.
Wang Chuqin-Sun Yingsha gave China a dream start, dismantling Shunsuke Togami-Miwa Harimoto. This was the most straightforward tie of the morning, with a clear gulf in level between the pairs. Such was Chuqin-Yingsha’s dominance that the Japanese never scored more than six points in a game, that coming in a 6–11 loss in the second.
In the women’s singles Wang Manyu then overcame familiar rival Mima Ito 2–1 in their 18th international meeting. Despite her deep knowledge of Ito’s style, Manyu struggled against the flat forehand hits that repeatedly forced her onto the back foot. She edged the opener 12–10 but squandered a 10–8 lead to lose the second 10–12. But Manyu reasserted her technical superiority in the decider, storming to an 11–2 win that pushed China ahead 5–1.
Japan’s comeback began in the men’s singles. Sora Matsushima tore into Liang Jingkun with fearless attacking play, punishing him relentlessly from the backhand side. Matsushima’s high-risk, high-reward style carried him to the first two games. Jingkun salvaged the third, but the match belonged to Matsushima.
World Champions Hiroto Shinozuka-Shunsuke Togami then kept Japan’s hopes alive against Lin Shidong-Wang Chuqin. Shinozuka proved decisive, especially with his aggressive receiving, as the Japanese pair took the first two games. Yet once again, China regrouped to snatch a crucial third game and edge closer to victory.
With the score at 7–5, Kuai Man-Wang Manyu ended the Japanese comeback in the Women’s doubles. Their 11–9 win over Miwa Harimoto and Satsuki Odo sealed the match, confirming China’s triumph.
China end Stage 2 with yet another win against Sweden
The evening session’s opening match confirmed China’s place at the top of the Stage 2 standings. Even while testing their bench strength, they still eased past Sweden with an 8-5 win.
World No. 1 Mixed Doubles pairing of Kuai Man-Lin Shidong had to work for a couple of tight 11-9 wins in the first and third game, but overall faced little resistance as they beat Christina Kallberg- Kristian Karlsson in straight games to give China a 3-0 lead.
World No. 5 Wang Yidi made her first appearance of the tournament against Sweden’s Linda Bergstrom. It was a tricky opponent to face in her first match, with Bergstrom’s chopping style. Bergstrom, as usual thriving on high quality balls, started well against Yidi who generated heavy spin from her forehand side. Bergstrom unsettled Yidi early, taking the opener 11-7. But Yidi grew steadier as the match progressed, levelling with a 11-7 win in the second game, before holding off late pressure to clinch the decider 11-9.
In the men’s singles, World No. 104 Xu Yingbin made his first appearance for China. Selected after a strong performance at the Chinese National Team Trials in September, he faced Anton Kallberg, who was in ruthless form. Ranked well above Yingbin , Kallberg immediately exposed a weakness in Yingbin’s midsection, attacking it repeatedly from both wings. With his full range of strokes on display, Kallberg powered to a commanding 3-0 victory.
But Sweden’s comeback hoped ended in the women’s doubles. Kuai Man-Wang Manyu combined to defeat Linda Bergstrom-Filippa Bergand 3-0, sealing China’s comfortable win and closing Sweden’s tournament campaign.
France get back to winning ways, win 8-3 against Sweden
In another morning session match-up France picked up a commanding win over Sweden.
Simon Gauzy-Prithika Pavade shook off a first-game loss to win 2-1 in the mixed doubles against Swedish siblings Anton and Christina Kallberg. Christina, who had shown sharp forehand timing earlier in the tournament, struggled here, and the French pair smartly pressed that wing while steering clear of Anton’s forehand side to secure the win.
Charlotte Lutz then continued her breakout run for France in the women’s singles. She beat Swedish chopper Linda Bergstrom 2-1 in dominant fashion. Having studied Bergstrom’s earlier matches, Lutz exposed her discomfort against slower play, edging the opener 12–10 before cruising through the second 11–5. Bergstrom salvaged a point in the third, but the match belonged to Lutz.
Alexis Lebrun then overcame Swedish legend Mattias Falck 2–1 in the men’s singles. Falck’s trademark short-pimple forehand offered little resistance as Lebrun hammered that side, taking the first game 11–4. A tense 15–13 second game went Lebrun’s way, though Falck seemed to be coming into his own. Falck finally found his rhythm, with improved forehand consistency and anticipation helping him salvage the third game.
With France leading 6–3, Alexis joined brother Felix to close the door in the Men’s Doubles. The Lebrun brothers dominated Falck and Kristian Karlsson in the opening two games, sealing a must needed win for France.
Germany end Stage 2 strong, win 8 – 5 against Hong Kong
Germany became the third team to secure a Stage 3 berth, defeating Hong Kong, China after defeating Korea in the morning.
Dang Qiu-Annett Kaufmann gave Germany the perfect launch, beating Baldwin Chan-Zhu Chengzhu. They cruised through the first two games but missed out on a clean sweep, losing the third 11-13. Still, the early advantage was with Germany.
Sabine Winter then underlined why she is regarded as Germany and Europe’s best player, overcoming Doo Hoi Kem. This time her ‘anti-spin’ was not the deciding factor, as Hoi Kem’s experience kept her steady. Instead, Winter’s step-around forehand and superb court coverage turned the tide. Twice she clawed back from deficits in the first 2 games to take a 2-0 lead. Hoi Kem salvaged the third, but the momentum was firmly with Germany.
A twist followed when Benedikt Duda fell to a resurgent Wong Chun Ting in the men’s singles. Trailing 0-1 and 2-6, Chun Ting suddenly caught fire, spurred by the crowd and perhaps freed by the lack of pressure. He unleashed a barrage of forehand topspin shots, stunning Duda. Chun Ting took the next two games 11-8, with a notable point being a spectacular down-the-line forehand at 9-8. It was an emotional win for Chun Ting, as he soaked in the crowd’s appreciation after the win, much to the delight of the fans.
Duda, however, immediately hit back in the men’s doubles. Partnering Dang Qiu, he turned the tables on Wong and Baldwin Chan, the World No. 1 pair. After dropping the opener, the Germans roared back, dominating the next two games to give their team a 7-5 lead.
Sabine Winter and Annett Kaufmann then wrapped things up for Germany in the women’s doubles. With a 11-8 win in the opening game, they confirmed a German win.
Germany will be looking to take this confidence into tomorrow, with everything to play for in Stage 3.
Germany end morning session of Day 7 with statement of intent, beat Korea
Germany, after a strong showing against China the day earlier, carried their momentum forward with a thrilling 8-7 victory over Korea Republic.
Patrick Franziska-Annett Kaufmann gave Germany the perfect start, winning the first two games against Kim Nayeong-Park Ganghyeon. Kaufmann provided steady support for a confident Franziska, fresh off his win against World No. 1 Wang Chuqin, and together they prevented the Koreans from settling. Although Germany dropped the third game, the early damage had already been done.
Sabine Winter then extended Germany’s charge in the women’s singles. Facing Lee Eunhye, Winter struggled at first, especially on the backhand, losing 7-11 in the opener. But she quickly regained control with her ‘antispin’ rubber, weaving clever disruptions in pace and finishing with sharp forehands. She conceded only nine points across the next two games to seal a 2-1 win.
With Korea trailing 2-4, senior pro Jang Woojin was called upon in the men’s singles to deliver. His challenge was formidable, facing an in-form Dang Qiu, who also led him 2-1 in their head-to-head. Woojin exploited Qiu’s tendency to stay close to the table by driving fast and deep, targeting Woojin ’s ‘reverse pen-hold’ backhand relentlessly. Not allowing Qiu any escape route or time to use the step-around forehand, Woojin rose to the occasion brilliantly, scoring a shock 3-0 win.
Germany now trailed 4-5, and needed a response. Qiu redeemed himself in the men’s doubles, teaming with Benedikt Duda to defeat An Jaehyun-Park Ganghyeon. After a commanding 11-5 first game, they narrowly lost the second 11-13. But Duda’s explosiveness, combined with Qiu’s quick play, carried them through a tense decider 12-10.
With the score tied at 6-6, the women’s doubles became decisive. Sabine Winter-Nina Mittelham lost a tight 9-11 opener to Korea’s Kim Nayeong-Choi Hyojoo. It was a fascinating clash of styles, with Winter’s ‘anti-spin’ backhand against southpaw Hyojoo’s ‘short pimple’ backhand, brought in to unsettle the Germans. Yet Winter and Mittelham, armed with two of the strongest forehands in Europe, adjusted well. Once they solved Choi’s variation, they won the next two games 11-9 and 11-7, clinching Germany’s dramatic 8-7 triumph.
Korea Republic win 8-5, end Croatia’s dream campaign
It was a case of so close yet so far, as Croatia nearly pulled off the unthinkable but fell 5-8 to Korea Republic.
Croatian duo of Ivor Ban-Hana Arapovic. Nayeong led with sharp play, while Ganghyeon’s struggles continued. The Koreans took the first game 11-5 and edged the second 11-9 to secure the win. They had a chance to sweep, but Ban and Arapovic fought back to snatch the third 14-12, giving Croatia a crucial point.
Lea Rakovac then defeated Lee Eunhye 2-1. Rakovac avenged her straight-set loss to Lee earlier this year at the WTT Europe Smash. Mixing up her positioning and timing, she frustrated Eunhye and claimed the first two games. She was unlucky not to complete a whitewash, losing the third narrowly 8-11, but still secured an important win.
Tomislav Pucar came in clutch once again for Croatia in the men’s singles, beating Woojin in their first meeting in a decade. Pucar used the ‘TTR’ system to great effect, twice earning direct points off Woojin’s serve. After splitting the first two games, the decider turned dramatic. Pucar’s successful use of ‘TTR’ seemed to have gotten under Jang’s skin. With the score tied at 10-10, Woojin attempted a ‘TTR’ challenge of his own. But it failed, handing Pucar matchpoint. He sealed victory with a crisp backhand down the line that Jang misfired, to the delight of coach Neven Karkovic.
Korea, however, struck back in the women’s doubles, as Kim Nayeong-Choi Hyojoo won 3-0 against Mateja Jeger-Lea Rakovac. With a 7-5 lead secured, Oh Junsung-Park Ganghyeon closed the contest. They avoided unnecessary risks, playing steady to ton win 11-9 in the opening game against Frane Kojic and Ivor Ban 11-9. With a 1-0 lead in the men’s doubles, Korea won the match and sealed their spot in Stage 3 of the tournament.
Croatia impress, win 8-5 thriller against Hong Kong, China
In the morning session, Croatian produced an unbelievable performance to beat 10th seeded Hong Kong, China and extend their dream run.
Ivor Ban-Hana Arapovic cannot seem to put a step wrong, as they once again delivered the perfect start in the Mixed Doubles. Facing the experienced Wong Chun Ting-Doo Hoi Kem, the young Croatian pair showed maturity beyond their years. Their touch, tactical play, and bursts of power outclassed Chun Ting-Hoi Kem. After splitting the first two games, Ban-Arapovic raced to a 10-4 lead in the decider. A lapse in focus suddenly saw them trail 10-11, with no timeout left. But Arapovic came to the rescue, with a composed step-around topspin to make it 11-11. The Croats then held their nerve to take the next two points and seal a 2-1 win.
Lea Rakovac added another crucial point in the women’s singles by winning the opening game 11-8 against Zhu Chengzhu. Her creativity unsettled Chengzhu’s orthodox style, and Rakovac’s craftiness carried her through the first game. Chengzhu, however, adjusted in the following games, picking the ball earlier and hitting quicker to deny Rakovac time to create. Those changes turned the match, and Chengzhu claimed the next two games to win 2-1.
With the overall score even at 3-3, Croatia needed a big performance. Tomislav Pucar did exactly that, as he produced the standout performance of the tie, sweeping Lam Siu Hang 3-0 in the men’s singles. The two had met recently at the WTT Star Contender in London, where Pucar edged a tight 3-2 battle. This time, Pucar left no doubt. He unleashed his trademark backhand repeatedly, driving Lam away from the table and punishing him whenever he was forced into weak positions. Pucar’s performance pushed Croatia into a 6-3 lead.
It looked like Croatia would run away with it in the women’s doubles itself, as Lea Rakovac-Mateja Jeger won the first game against Zhu Chengzhu-Ng Wing Lam. But they let leads slip in both the second and third games, failing to close out the match as Chengzhu-Wing Lam fought back to win 2-1.
That left Croatia ahead 7-5, with Ban-Frane Kojic facing the world’s top-ranked pair Baldwin Chan-Wong Chun Ting. The Croats surged to a 7-3 lead in the first game but lost momentum, ignoring a timeout call from their coaches, and fell 9-11. With the score now 7-6, the pressure was immense. Ban-Kojic responded brilliantly, taking the second game 11-7 to spark wild celebrations on the Croatian bench as they completed a historic victory.
