(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT)
Simon Gauzy has been a consistent player on the tour, but despite solid results (including four Finals appearances) he had never won a WTT event… that is, until today. Simon Gauzy defeated China’s Chen Yuanyu 3-0 in the Final of the WTT Feeder event in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria. Gauzy entered the tournament as the second seed, and took advantage when top seek Anton Kallberg (the top seed) was upset by Samuel Kulczycki in the Round of 32. Ultimately, it was the inexperienced Chen Yuanyu who emerged from that half of the draw, and Gauzy’s experience prevailed 3-0 in the Final.
Chen Yuanyu is another talented Chinese player, an 18 year old attacker currently ranked 98 in the World, who breezed past higher ranked players Lubomir Pistej (No. 60) and Anders Lind (No. 29) to push through to the Final. For Gauzy, the win was a dominant one – and not just in the Final. Gauzy won 6 matches and only lost 3 games across those wins.
For a number of years, Gauzy has been the best player in France, but there has been a shift in the last year with the rise of the Lebrun Brothers. This is potentially a good thing for France overall, and perhaps for Gauzy’s chances of an Olympic (team) medal next year when Paris hosts the Olympics. However, for Gauzy personally, only two players will qualify to play singles, and he is currently third in the Rankings. Expect to see all three players (and others) very active in tournaments as they jockey for all important points in the World Rankings. Right now, Felix Lebrun is World No. 15, Alexis Lebrun is World No. 18, and Simon Gauzy is World No. 31.
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