Narrowly missing out on the semifinals at the ITTF World Team Championships last year, defeated by Germany in a thrilling match, Team France led by the Lebrun brothers return to Chengdu positioned for success, boosted by a year of significant progress and results.
Felix Lebrun recently made history winning the European Games at only 16 and also secured two team bronze medals at the European Team Championships and European Games. Lebrun will be looking to continue the momentum in Chengdu.
Similarly, the French women’s team also secured the bronze medal at European Team Championships and will be seeking continue their streak at the Mixed Team World Cup.
TEAM FRANCE (#5 seed)
Jia Nan YUAN (World No.26)
At 38, Jia Nan Yuan brings a wealth of experience to the French team. A strong performer in mixed doubles, Yuan clinched the gold medal in the mixed doubles at the 2022 European Championships and had a record run at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games finishing fourth paired with teammate Emmanuel Lebesson.
Prithika PAVADE (World No.38)
Prithika Pavade is among the next generation of table tennis stars poised to make their impression on the international stage. Pavade made history winning the French Junior Championship in 2014 to become the youngest French singles champion. Her swift ascent to the upper echelons of the youth game continued as she went on became the youngest European Under-21 champion in 2020 at only 15 years old. In 2022, she went on to make her mark in the seniors, winning both the women’s singles and doubles at the 2022 French Championships.
Camille LUTZ (World No.79)
21-year-old Camille Lutz who started to play table tennis as a toddler, influenced by her mother who is a regional player in France. A dynamic doubles player, Lutz secured the gold medal in both the women’s and mixed doubles event at the 2022 French Championships. She also clinched the gold in the women’s doubles at the WTT Feeder Panagyurishte 2022.
Felix LEBRUN (World No.8)
A breakout star in the younger generation, Felix Lebrun is making rapid progress in both the men’s singles and doubles events, recently entering the Men’s top 10 for the first time in his career. Beyond his results at the European Games and Teams championships, Lebrun secured gold in the men’s singles at WTT Contender Antalya 2023 defeating much more established players and paired with his brother to win the men’s doubles at WTT Star Contender Lanzhou 2023.
Alexis LEBRUN (World No.23)
At 20, Alexis Lebrun is a two-time French champion and like his brother is described as a French table tennis phenomenon. Lebrun recently claimed the bronze medal in the men’s singles at the European Games and is currently ranked 7th in the Men’s doubles paired with his brother. Earlier this year Lebrun claimed one of his biggest victories beating world no.1 Fan Zhendong at the WTT Champions Macao.
Simon GAUZY (World No.26)
All-action, dynamic and entertaining, there is never a boring moment watching Simon Gauzy play. Gauzy’s biggest career win came when he eliminated Xu Xin at the 2019 World Championships, a victory he sealed in trademark style. He clinched the title in WTT Feeder Panagyurishte 2023 by defeating four Chinese players in a row.
