Red Star Mulhouse Battles for Final Four Spot in French Badminton Top 12
The Red Star Mulhouse badminton team is facing a critical juncture in their quest for a place in the Final Four of the French Top 12 league. Two recent victories have propelled them back into contention, but their fate hinges on both their own performance and the outcome of another key match.
Tight Race Behind League Leaders
Behind the dominant ASPTT Strasbourg, the competition for Final Four spots is intense. Aire-sur-la-Lys and Rostrenen are also firmly in the mix, creating a fierce battle for the remaining places.
There is a scenario where the 2025 French champions, currently outside the top three, could reclaim second place at the end of this penultimate round of matches.
Crucial Matchup Against Rostrenen
Before relying on the league-leading ASPTT Strasbourg’s result against Aire-sur-la-Lys, Red Star Mulhouse must secure a win on the road against Rostrenen. The team will be without Arnaud Merklé, who is being rested ahead of the Euro in Spain (April 6-12).
Captain François Schmitt-Baagoe will field Arlin and a player from the reserve team in men’s singles, even as Nurhidayah, Lasis, Lambert, and Pognante will compete in the women’s matches.
“Win there to get yourself a match point.”
François Schmitt-Baagoe
Rostrenen Expected to Field Strong Lineup
Schmitt-Baagoe anticipates a tough match against a full-strength Rostrenen team, including American Beiwen Zhang (ranked 28th in the world) and Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen (ranked 29th). The team narrowly lost the first leg against Rostrenen (3-5) in November.
“There is a chance that Rostrenen will be complete, with notably the American Beiwen Zhang (28e world) And the Irish people are there (29e ) who are very strong.”
François Schmitt-Baagoe
Margot Lambert and Camille Pognante, who recently reached the quarter-finals of the Orléans Masters, are expected to bring confidence to the team.
ASPTT Strasbourg’s Role as “Referee”
The ASPTT Strasbourg will play a role in determining the final standings, facing Aire-sur-la-Lys on Saturday. They are expected to field Viktoriia Vorobeva and Callum Hemming.
Looking Ahead to the Final Four
The Final Four is scheduled for May 8 and 9 in Levallois-Perret. In the other pool, Fos-sur-Mer remains undefeated, and their match against Chambly could significantly impact the playoff picture.
Additional Matches
- National interclubs, N1: Maromme – Kembs (4:30 p.m.).
- N2: ASPTTS II – Schwindratzheim (11:30 a.m.), Besançon – Trois Frontières (4 p.m.).
- N3: Besançon II – Colmar (12:30 p.m.), Étupes – R. Star Mulhouse II (3 p.m.), ASPTTS III – Dommarteront (11:30 a.m.), Reiningue – Trois Frontières II (4 p.m.).
FAQ
- Who are the current leaders in the Top 12 league?
ASPTT Strasbourg is currently leading the league. - What is at stake for Red Star Mulhouse?
Red Star Mulhouse is battling for a spot in the Final Four. - When and where will the Final Four take place?
The Final Four will be held on May 8 and 9 in Levallois-Perret.