Goa goes to Lebrun. Teen wizard casts spell for first WTT Star Contender win
28 January 2024
The rapid rise of Felix Lebrun continues as the 17-yea-old summoned up yet another career milestone, taking down the Men's Singles trophy at WTT Star Contender Goa 2024. The teenage wizard had the ball under a spell as he saw off World No.7 Hugo Calderano for the title with a 4-2 (9-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-0, 15-13, 11-7) win.
The French sensation now has two WTT Series titles to his name, with Goa marking Lebrun's maiden WTT Star Contender win.
The match was set for fireworks from the get-go, with the top two seeds pitted against each other for the title.
FOLLOW EVENT ACTION
While Calderano held the higher ranking entering the encounter, it was his opponent who had the upper hand on the table. Lebrun had defeated Calderano in the quarterfinals last year of WTT Contender Antalya.That one and only encounter between the pair happened to occur as the French teenager was on his way to his very first WTT Series title. It could only be seen as a god omen for the rankings underdog in Goa.
Straight out the gate Calderano improved on his Antalya form. Having lost last year without making a dent on the scoreboard, the Brazilian squeaked out two games to set himself up with a sizeable lead.
It was in the return game that Lebrun was struggling, dunking multiple services directly in to the net. Finding a solution fast was vital to turn things around for the young talent.
"It was hard for me, I didn’t receive so well at the beginning. The third set was the key for me, if he had three zero it would be very, very difficult." Felix Lebrun
The return issue was dealt with and confidence soaring, a narrow 13-11 victory in the third game set in motion a quick turnaround.
Lebrun no longer struggled reading the spin. In fact he would go on to drop just eight more points against Calderano's high-toss serves throughout the course of the match.
The high-paced pengrip wielding pro enter steam-roll mode.
An 11-0 bagel in the fourth was balanced out by a tough fought 15-13 in the fifth. The rallies stayed short and sharp from both ends of the table. There was no time for acrobatics and extended loops back from the table. Instead big serves and counter attacks was the name of the game.
The explosive power of Felix Lebrun had the edge, and with the final game moving along to his tempo, the French teenager run away for the win. Calderano was denied his 6th WTT Series title while Lebrun moved up to number two.
Following the victory Lebrun was smiling as he thank the fans and the city for once again providing him with a memorable moment.
"Thank you for the support. I think I love Goa. Last year I played amazing and made the semifinal and this year I won so I think I will come back every again!” Felix Lebrun
Check out the complete results from Goa here.