China also world champion in men’s team table tennis

China defeated France 3-0 in the final of the World Table Tennis Men’s Team Championship to reach its 11th straight men’s team title and 23 overall. She has won the event consistently since 2001 (her last loss to Sweden in 2000 in Malaysia) and now she has shown her superiority ahead of the Paris Olympic tournament.

On the other hand, it was France that kept European prestige very high. She was excellent throughout the tournament, pushed for the final as well and can clearly leave Korea with the most pleasant feelings because a few months before the Olympics she showed her great value by winning two medals.

Thousands of fans of the sport closely watched the final and especially the enthusiastic Chinese created a great atmosphere. France competed in the final again after 27 years. He had faced China again in 1997 in Manchester, where, by the way, our national men’s team had also made history with the sixth place in the world.

On Sunday, France looked even more threatening and with the outstanding Lebrun brothers, they could even equalize at 1-1 and make life difficult for the Asians.

The 20-year-old Alexis with the European grip on the racket (17-year-old Felix has an Asian one) led 2-1 sets and 8-5 in points against the world number 1, Fan Zhendong, and later had a 10-9 match point. However, he missed the opportunity and then Phan also had the psychological advantage.

In the next match, the massive Ma Long lost the first set to Gozi, but was then unstoppable to record the final 3-0 after two hours of play.

In detail, the development of the France-China 0-3 final:

Felix Lebrun-Wang Chuqin 0-3 (4-11, 8-11, 3-11)

Alexis Lebrun-Fan Zhendong 2-3 (11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 10-12, 7-11)

Simon Gozzi-Ma Long 1-3 (11-7, 2-11, 4-11, 6-11)

Chinese Taipei and host South Korea, who were defeated in Saturday’s semifinals, won the bronze medal.