French Duo Dominate at Orléans Masters

Alex Lanier, Thom Gicquel, and Delphine Delrue have been instrumental in France’s recent badminton success, highlighted by strong performances at the Orléans Masters. Lanier secured a victory, although Gicquel and Delrue advanced to the final of the tournament.

Lanier demonstrated his skill, progressing towards retaining his title at the Orléans Masters. He was described as getting “closer to the grail” at the tournament.

Gicquel and Delrue’s Historic Run

Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue have achieved a historic milestone, reaching the mixed doubles final at the Orléans Masters. They also advanced to the semi-finals of the YONEX All England Open 2026, securing a podium finish and a historic achievement for French badminton.

At the All England Open, the pair defeated the second-seeded Chinese duo, Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin, in two sets (21-16, 21-16). Delrue stated, “We are very happy and proud of our match today. I suppose we played very well. And reaching the semi-final by defeating the world number two is always special, so we are very happy.”

France’s Rising Presence in Badminton

France is making a significant impact on the international badminton scene. At the All England Open, France was the best-represented European nation, with two representatives in the quarter-finals. Lanier and the doubles pair of Delrue and Gicquel are leading the charge.

Lanier knocked out the world champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, to reach the All England quarter-finals. He also triumphed at the Orléans Masters, defeating Chun Yi Lin in the final. Lanier noted, “It is very nice to represent France. We have strong men’s singles and mixed doubles, and it is nice that both the mixed and I can play like this and show France is a good badminton country.”

Gicquel and Delrue also secured a significant victory at the Indonesia Open, winning the first Super 1000 title in French badminton history, defeating Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampan of Thailand (21-16, 21-18).

Looking Ahead

With continued success from Lanier, Gicquel, and Delrue, France is poised to become a major force in the world of badminton. Their recent achievements demonstrate the growing strength and potential of French badminton players on the international stage.

FAQ

• Who won the Indonesia Open in 2025? Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.
• What is the significance of France’s performance at the All England Open? France was the best-represented European nation with two quarter-finalists.
• Who did Alex Lanier defeat at the All England Open? He defeated the world champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.