By Timothée Thomas-Collignon
Published 1 hour ago, Updated 1 hour ago
Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue during the 2023 French Open, in Cesson-Sévigné. Laurent Lairys / Panoramic
Delphine Delrue, 11th in the world with her partner Thom Gicquel in mixed doubles, has decided to boycott the new format of the French championships, in which “she does not recognize herself”.
On Instagram, the 25-year-old Frenchwoman announced the reasons for her non-participation in the French championships, which will take place from February 2 to 4 in Fos-sur-Mer, where the Popov brothers train in particular. A choice explained by the new formula of this competition, more restrictive, which she contests.
“I don’t recognize myself in the new proposed formula”
Delphine Delrue, 11th in the world in mixed doubles
«I have always liked participating in this event but I don’t see myself in the new formula proposed. It has always been a moment of conviviality and reunion with the whole French badminton family, with all the friendships that we have been able to create over the years, and we could witness some great stories during these championships. Unfortunately, I don’t see all this happening again with this new regulation.” she admitted on Saturday on her social networks.
19 pairs in 2024, compared to 57 in 2023
In 2023, 57 pairs were entered in mixed doubles. The lowest ranked had to play three qualifying rounds to hope to compete in the final table, which included 19 teams. But this year, only 19 pairs will be entered. These championships were contested over four days until then, one more than in 2024.
«In addition, the tables seem extremely empty, players who work hard on a daily basis cannot compete with the best, and I am not sure that this is very good for promoting badminton. All these reasons why I decided not to participate this year“, she said on Instagram.
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2024-01-21 12:39:57
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