Félix Lebrun withdraws from WTT Champions Macao

Félix Lebrun will miss the WTT Champions in Macao after a physical problem forced him out of the 8-13 September tournament. The withdrawal comes three weeks after the Frenchman won the Europe Smash, and leaves him focused on recovering before the next stage of the season.

Lebrun, ranked second in the world, said the pain currently prevents him from competing at full capacity. China’s Wang Chuqin, the world No.1 and defending champion, is also absent because of an injury. Nicholas Lum and Tom Jarvis have been added to the field in their places.

The decision removes Lebrun from a tournament he has never played. Macao has been won by a Chinese player in each of its four editions: Lin Shidong in 2024 and Wang in 2022, 2023 and 2025. France will also be represented in the men’s singles by Alexis Lebrun, ranked ninth, Flavien Coton, ranked 23rd, and Simon Gauzy, ranked 34th. Alexis has won major titles in doubles with Félix but is still seeking his first major singles trophy.

Félix Lebrun’s next targets include the final Grand Smash of the year in China next month and the WTT Champions in Montpellier from 27 October. He won the Montpellier event in 2024. The Olympic bronze medallist will also be joined in France’s women’s entry in Macao by Prithika Pavade and Jia Nan Yuan. No doubles tournament will be held there.