Pure table tennis magic. Watch an amazing rally between French players
This feat is destined to be recorded in table tennis history. There's a buzz online about a thrilling rally between French players Felix Lebrun and Simon Gauzy.
The WTT Champions Frankfurt 2023 table tennis tournament was held from October 29 to November 5. In the first round, France was represented by 17-year-old Felix Lebrun and 29-year-old Simon Gauzy.
The match stoked the fans' excitement, with intense action towards the end of the second set. With the score at 10:7 in favor of Lebrun, Gauzy served and the action began.
After a few hits, Lebrun seized the initiative and launched a decisive attack. Gauzy was forced onto the defensive, standing a few yards away from the table. Lebrun made several potent strikes, but Gauzy astounded spectators by fiercely defending shots that looked almost impossible to return.
The rally continued at this intensity for nearly 20 seconds. Lebrun kept on attacking, and Gauzy kept on parrying each successive strike. The younger player attempted to surprise his opponent by shortening his return. However, the experienced 29-year-old anticipated this move and swiftly returned the ball to Lebrun's side.
17-year-old Lebrun was able to handle this shot but was stymied by Gauzy's subsequent attack. The older player launched another attack, causing Lebrun to hit the net. Shortly after his last hit, Gauzy lost his balance, fell to the floor, and was met with a huge uproar from the audience.
Although Gauzy's steadfast defense certainly earned him the spectators' admiration, it ultimately didn't alter the outcome of the set. The next point was secured by Lebrun, who clinched the set. The riveting rally, rife with twists and turns, concluded with the victory of the 17-year-old, who defeated his more experienced compatriot with a score of 3:2 in sets.
