VIDEO. Félix Lebrun: “It was one of the most beautiful, one of the greatest matches”, after qualifying for the championship final

Félix Lebrun, rayonnant, à l’issue de sa demi-finale face à Simon Gauzy. Dorian Cayuela

Félix Lebrun, the youngest of the siblings, is now awaiting the qualification of his eldest Alexis to replay the remake of the last final of the French Table Tennis Championships.

We felt a lot of emotion on both sides. In the hierarchy of your matches, where do you place this semi-final against Simon Gauzy ?

It’s one of the most beautiful, one of the largest. Winning 11/9 against Simon, here in Montpellier… In addition he leads 8-5 (in the last round) whereas before I was leading (3-1, 10-6). It was incredible and then the audience shouted "Félix"… 

Also read: VIDEO. Félix Lebrun beats Simon Gauzy in an exceptional match to be the first to qualify for the final of the French Table Tennis Championships

Was it hard to get back into it this morning physically, mentally?

No, I was good in it, I got off to a good start. Afterwards, with such a scenario, when he comes back, he plays better and better. For me it’s the opposite, especially after the match balls (4) which I didn’t manage to grab.

Is this victory also the consequence of the confidence accumulated so far ?

All my matches before of course give me this confidence. If it hadn't been for all my last results I wouldn't have been able to win. In Montpellier, even at 8-5 in the lead, I had no right to give up, when he had clearly taken the upper hand. The match was great, we had to finish on a good note even if there was a defeat.

How do you explain that the match reverses at a given moment ?

At 10-6, in the fourth set, I perhaps didn't take the time to think about my serve. He played well, he came back and I tensed up a little at the end of the set. The mood then changed a little. He played better and better. Eventually, we both found our level.

Also read: French table tennis championships: at the Lebrun home, Félix is ​​always chasing Alexis

You are waiting for Alexis (her brother) now, for the final ?

I hope he gets this match for last year's remake.