SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Supertalent Lebrun too tough for Källberg

Félix Lebrun showed why he is table tennis's super talent. With almost the entire hall behind him, the Frenchman knocked Anton Källberg out of the singles tournament. "Sour, a disappointment considering both the result and my performance in the match," says Källberg after the 2–4 loss.

» Updated: 04 October 2024, 01:39

» Published: 29 July 2024

Supertalent Lebrun too tough for Källberg
Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

The 17-year-old with a messy hairdo from Montpellier polished his black glasses, grasped the racket with a pen grip and immediately showed why he is one of the sport's new, big profiles.

"Fèlix, Fèlix, Fèlix!" the Frenchmen screamed. Loudly, in rhythm and often.

The world's third-ranked player did not disappoint. Quickly and efficiently, he went up to 3–0 (11–4, 11–7, 11–8).

I offered him many quick and easy points. I missed far too much. It stings, says Källberg.

Came to life in the match

But when the Frenchman seemed to be about to shut him out, Källberg found his game, got Lebrun out of rhythm and took the fourth set with convincing 11–4. The start of a mighty comeback? It was at least a good attempt. Källberg saved three match points, and then took the fifth set with 15–13.

I did a very good fourth set and managed to steal the fifth somehow and got back into the match. Then a comeback was still possible, he says.

Several long duels brought massive applause in the arena at the OS complex Paris Sud. Källberg had the chance to force a deciding seventh set, but Lebrun went up to 10–6 and slammed in the match point to 11–8.

Lying flat on the floor, he received the audience's accolades.

The Frenchman – the big home hope – is seeded three in the tournament and has what it takes to go all the way in the fight for medals.

I want to go as far as possible. I set no limits, but I know it will be tough in every round. Getting a medal in Paris is a dream for me, says Lebrun.

"Incredible speed"

Källberg on why Lebrun is so good, so hard to meet:

He has incredible speed, quality in his shots, many different serves. It's hard to do much more than just save them. And he has a fantastic backhand, moves well, reads the game well.

It's hard to believe he's only 17 years old.

His OS is not over. The team competition remains.

Truls Möregårdh's match in the second round was initially scheduled for Monday evening but was moved to Wednesday.

This gives the Swede much more time to think about how he will take on Wang Chuqin. So far, Möregårdh has only managed to take four sets in eight matches against the Chinese world number one. Something he readily acknowledged after the draw.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Denmark's Former Prime Minister Wants Saudi World Championship
1 MIN READ

Denmark's Former Prime Minister Wants Saudi World Championship

Sundling superior in qualifying: "Like Bambi"
1 MIN READ

Sundling superior in qualifying: "Like Bambi"

The Message: Ovechkin Out for at Least a Month
1 MIN READ

The Message: Ovechkin Out for at Least a Month

Möregårdh lost to the world number one: "Not fun"
2 MIN READ

Möregårdh lost to the world number one: "Not fun"

Netflix Sued Over Issues During Boxing Match
1 MIN READ

Netflix Sued Over Issues During Boxing Match

Reluctant Poster Girl in Donald Duck and Talk Show
4 MIN READ

Reluctant Poster Girl in Donald Duck and Talk Show

Swedish show in NHL – goal fest for Bratt and Wennberg
2 MIN READ

Swedish show in NHL – goal fest for Bratt and Wennberg

Grant near the top in LPGA finale
1 MIN READ

Grant near the top in LPGA finale

Quick Hero - Arsenal to Quarterfinal
1 MIN READ

Quick Hero - Arsenal to Quarterfinal

Confirmed: Frida Karlsson Competes in the Swedish Premiere
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Frida Karlsson Competes in the Swedish Premiere

Hammarby's anger after the celebration: "Disgusting"
2 MIN READ

Hammarby's anger after the celebration: "Disgusting"

Frustrated Frölunda fell: "Worst we've done this year"
2 MIN READ

Frustrated Frölunda fell: "Worst we've done this year"

Confirmed: Guardiola Extends with Manchester City
1 MIN READ

Confirmed: Guardiola Extends with Manchester City

Sweden in European Championship final after thriller: "Proud and happy"
1 MIN READ

Sweden in European Championship final after thriller: "Proud and happy"

Blytung comeback for Åberg: "A bit rusty"
2 MIN READ

Blytung comeback for Åberg: "A bit rusty"

Hammarby set a new attendance record: "Love every single one"
3 MIN READ

Hammarby set a new attendance record: "Love every single one"

Referee suspended after Isak-miss
1 MIN READ

Referee suspended after Isak-miss

Super strikers in qualifying – Värnamo equalized late
2 MIN READ

Super strikers in qualifying – Värnamo equalized late

Sjöström's Criticism: "Would Have Been a Worthy Winner"
2 MIN READ

Sjöström's Criticism: "Would Have Been a Worthy Winner"

Tough for Team Edin - misses European Championship semifinal
1 MIN READ

Tough for Team Edin - misses European Championship semifinal