World Table Tennis (WTT) will make its debut in France, as the world’s best stars converge for WTT Champions Montpellier from 22nd to 27th October 2024 at the prestigious Sud De France Arena.
Montpellier, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline, offers the perfect backdrop for this premier WTT Champions Series event. Beyond the competition, visitors can explore the city’s ancient streets, dynamic culinary scene, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for sports and travel enthusiasts alike.
The launch of the event was marked by a ceremony attended by the French Table Tennis Federation (FFTT), WTT, French stars and Montpellier officials – Christian Assaf, Vice President of Sports at the Metropole Montpellier, and Kamel Chibli, Vice President of Sports for the Occitanie region – at the French National Table Tennis Championships being held in Montpellier this weekend.
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Steve Dainton, WTT Chief Executive Officer, expressed excitement about bringing a WTT event to Montpellier, emphasising the city’s vibrant sports culture and the event’s potential to showcase the pinnacle of table tennis talent on a global stage. “France has a proud table tennis history and is an important market for our sport. We are committed to elevating table tennis worldwide, and WTT Champions Montpellier is a testament to this, promising an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike,” said Dainton.
Gilles Erb, President of the French Table Tennis Federation (FFTT), highlighted the collaborative effort to bring the event to France and the unique timing following the Summer Olympics in Paris. “Working with World Table Tennis to host WTT Champions Montpellier so soon after the Olympic Games this year in Paris is an incredible opportunity to continue the excitement and passion for table tennis around the world, as well as contributing to the wider table tennis strategy with city and regional partners to grow our great sport in France,” Erb remarked.
WTT Champions Montpellier is the second WTT Champions Series event announced in Europe this year with the world’s best 32 men’s and women’s stars competing for crucial world rankings points and prize money that will be vital in determining qualification for the season-ending WTT Finals.
The event will have added excitement for Montpellier-born brothers, Alexis and Felix Lebrun, as they have the opportunity to showcase their skill, determination, and sportsmanship in their hometown.
“A WTT Champions event in Montpellier is a dream come true. It will be very special for Felix and I to play in front of our family and friends, and we can’t wait for October to have the world’s best players in our home town,” enthused Alexis Lebrun, currently sitting at #22 in the world rankings.
Younger brother Felix, currently ranked #5 in the world, shared his anticipation for competing in his home country. “It’s a dream come true to play such a high-level event in France. I look forward to giving my best and making my country proud,” Lebrun stated.
