From February 14 to 18, the town of Aire-sur-la-Lys is hosting the European Mixed Team Championship. With the objective of finishing in first place in their group, France launched their competition perfectly with a victory against the Netherlands 4-1 on Tuesday evening at the regional badminton sports complex. An opponent never easy to maneuver especially in doubles.
For their entry into the tournament, the Blues did not tremble. This 4-1 success propels them to first place in the group along with Germany, winner of Bulgaria 3-2.
First Frenchman to set off in this European Championship by mixed teams, Toma Junior Popov (world No. 25) drew on his reserves against Mark Caljouw (n°38) to win 21/14 21/23 21/14. A first victory that puts the blue clan on the right track.
The player from Chambly (Oise Léonice Huet (n°50) then takes over perfectly. opposed to Nadia Coukri (n°248), she left her opponent no chance and concluded the match in 32 short minutes (21/13 21/11). It thus brings the second point to France, bringing the Blues closer to a first victory.
The Popov brothers bring the decisive point
Back on the court for the doubles, Toma Junior Popov is joined by his brother, Christo (n°33). Not without difficulty, the two men won in 3 sets against the pair Jille/Van Der Lecq (n°29) 14/21 24/22 21/17. While they were badly embarked at the start of the match, the Fosséens raised the bar by going for a second set at the end of the suspense, before fighting even more firmly in the final period. By bringing the 3rd point to France, Christo and Tomi ensure the first victory of the tricolor clan.
With victory already won, Margot Lambert et Anne Tran (n°31) also made their contribution by overcoming Deborah Jille et Cheryl Hisen (n°27) 21/19 14/21 21/18. In a complicated face to face, the French remained united and focused on their game plan to reverse the trend at the end of the match. Led 9/11 in the 3rd set, Anne and Margot inflict a 7/0 on their opponents to offer themselves the victory.
Yet released from the pressure of the encounter, Thom Gicquel and Picardy Delphine Delrue (n°5) leave the final point to the finalist pair of the Yonex IFB 2022: Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek (n°11) 21/19 18/21 12/21. In a hung match, the French therefore did not find the solutions in the last set.
After this victory against the Netherlands, the French badminton team is well placed for qualification. The Blues hope to confirm for their second match this Thursday against Bulgaria, the country of origin of the Popov brothers.
Results and Program of the Championship
Tuesday 14 February: group stage
Group A: Denmark Vs Ukraine 5/0 and England Vs Scotland 4/1
Group B: Germany Vs Bulgaria 3/2 and France Vs Netherlands 4/1
Wednesday 15 February: group stage
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.) | Denmark Vs Scotland and England Vs Ukraine
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 3:30 p.m.) | Germany Vs Netherlands and France Vs Bulgaria
Thursday 16 February: group stage
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.) | Denmark Vs England and Scotland Vs Ukraine
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (doors open at 3:30 p.m.) | Germany Vs France and Netherlands Vs Bulgaria
Friday, February 17: semi-finals
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.) | Semi-final 1
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) | Semi-final 2
Saturday February 18: Final
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.) | Final
Info FFBad
