At 19 years old, Alex Lanier never ceases to amaze. The French badista, 21e world player, qualified for the semi-finals of the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/viktor-axelsen-shares-personal-story-i-got-so-thin-i-ruined-it-for-myself-bt-badminton/" title="Viktor Axelsen shares personal story: 'I got so thin – I ruined it for myself' | BT Badminton”>Danish Open (Super 750), Friday October 18, by dismissing the Singaporean Kean Yew Loh on his way (21-18, 15-21, 24-22) . The day before, the Norman had taken advantage of the retirement of double Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen to qualify.
Two match points saved
This time, he did not need the form of his opponent to win. His success, acquired at the end of a crazy end to the match, once again confirms that his meteoric progress in recent weeks is not due to chance. At the end of August, he created a feat by winning a Super 1000 in Japan. Now in the elite of world badminton, Alex Lanier did not tremble against the 11e world champion, former world champion in 2021, even after missing two opportunities to conclude.
Under pressure, the Norman even saved two match points before winning, letting his joy explode by taking off his jersey. This Saturday, October 19, he will face the Japanese Koki Watanabe (13e), still a player better ranked than him but who seems within his reach. In the other match of the last four, his compatriot Kenta Nishimoto (14e) will be opposed to the Dane Anders Antonsen (4e).
