The Chinese Olympic champion Fan Zhendong will face the Lebrun brothers, Alexis and Felix, in the final of the European Cup in Saarbrucken this Sunday. His popularity in Germany is reaching new heights. For the Nimes-Montpellier Alliance, this clash against the former world number one should be the key to success.
If one Lebrun often hides another, the same goes for the Chinese. From one opponent to another, there is always someone trying to block their ambitions, both in the French team and in the club. This was evident last week during the Team World Championships, where the Chinese team led by world number one Wang Chuqing shattered the French dream in the semi-finals. This time, it will be the Olympic champion Fan Zhendong who needs to be overcome in the Champions League final taking place this weekend in Saarbrucken.
Named man of the match in the first semi-final, Fan Zhendong’s name alone is enough to electrify the crowds. On Saturday, the 3,300 fans at the Saarlandhalle seemed to be there just for him, anticipating his exciting duel with the Lebrun brothers on Sunday. Is Zhendong stronger than his compatriot Wang Chuqin, who has been the world number one for two years? According to Stéphane Lebrun, “there is no debate today.” “Wang Chuqin is the best player in the world, as Zhendong is no longer part of the international circuit,” argues the sports director of ANMTT. In other words, while Alexis and Felix have never won against Chuqin, they have better chances against Zhendong.
It seems that China is not lacking in talent. Welcomed like a rock star at FC Saarbrucken in June 2025, “FZD” surprised everyone by leaving his homeland to join the Bundesliga, which is also praised on the other side of the planet. Less than a year after his arrival, he made the bold move to switch to “the enemy” by signing with Dusseldorf from next season.
Will the Lebrun brothers achieve another feat? Although he no longer appears in the world rankings that he dominated for over 250 weeks, Fan Zhendong still holds the reins, as evidenced by his victory last November at the Chinese National Games. This Sunday, the Lebrun brothers will have to create a miracle in front of a supportive audience.
