A Triumphant Return for Margot Lambert in Estonia
European champion Margot Lambert finally tasted victory on the international badminton circuit after a string of losses in high-profile tournaments. Partnering with Camille Pognante in women’s doubles and Grégoire Deschamp in mixed doubles, lambert had faced a challenging period, falling in the first round of three World Tour events.
this week, competing in the Estonian capital Tallinn at an International Series tournament, Lambert rediscovered her winning form. The event, part of the European Elite circuit, offered a more accessible level of competition, allowing Lambert to progress steadily thru the rounds and secure a place in two finals on Sunday.
While Lambert and Deschamp, seeded fifth, were defeated in the mixed doubles final by the English duo Ethan Van Leeuwen and Abbygael Harris (11-21, 14-21), the women’s doubles final brought a different outcome.
Lambert and Pognante, seeded third, faced off against fellow Frenchwomen Agathe Cuevas and Kathell desmots-Chacun, the second seeds. Despite a brief scare in the second game, where they trailed 8-13, the Mulhouse pair ultimately triumphed 21-15, 21-18, securing their first joint title.
This victory marks lambert’s sixth career title, adding to her previous wins in Greece (2019), Poland (2021), Wales (2021 and 2022), and Reunion Island (2023). For Pognante, who had previously reached the final of the Belgium Open (International Challenge) in september 2023 with Elsa Jacob, this marks her maiden victory on the international stage.
The accomplished duo will aim to continue their winning streak at the swedish open, another International Series event, taking place in Uppsala from Thursday to Sunday.
Back on Top: An exclusive Interview with Badminton Star Margot Lambert
Margot Lambert is back! after a string of frustrating losses in recent high-profile tournaments, the European champion returned to her winning ways this week, claiming the women’s doubles title at the Estonian International Series tournament alongside teammate Camille Pognante. Today, we’re thrilled to have Margot join us to discuss her triumphant return, the challenges she faced, and what lies ahead for her burgeoning career.
Welcome, Margot! Congratulations on your victory in Tallinn! This win must feel particularly sweet after a tough stretch on the World Tour circuit.
Thank you! It definitely feels great to be back on the podium.
Let’s talk about those recent setbacks. Losing in the first round of three World Tour events must have been incredibly disappointing. How did you manage to stay focused and motivated during that period?
It was definitely a challenging time. You work so hard and expect more of yourself, so those losses were tough to swallow. But I have an incredible support system – my coaches, my teammates, and my family – who helped me through it. We analyzed what wasn’t working,made some adjustments,and most importantly,reminded myself to enjoy the game. Badminton is my passion, and I couldn’t let those losses define me.
The Estonian International Series offered a slightly different level of competition. Did tailoring your approach for this tournament play a role in your success?
Absolutely. Every tournament has its unique challenges and dynamics. While the World Tour events attract the top-ranked players, tournaments like the Estonian International Series offer a fantastic prospect to build momentum and fine-tune your game. It allowed Camille and me to work on our strategies and regain our confidence,which was crucial.
Speaking of Camille, you two have now secured your first joint title together. What makes your partnership so prosperous?
We complement each other really well on the court. Camille is an exceptional athlete with incredible footwork, while I bring more of a tactical approach to the game. We communicate effectively, trust each other’s instincts, and above all, we have a lot of fun playing together.
Now, onto your future goals. With six career titles under your belt, what are your aspirations for the coming season?
My primary focus is to continue improving as a player. I want to refine my skills, become more consistent, and ultimately challenge for titles at the highest level. The World Tour events will continue to be my target, but I’m also looking forward to representing france at international competitions like the European championships.
for our readers – many of whom are aspiring badminton players – what advice would you give to someone dreaming of following in your footsteps?
Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. Badminton is a demanding sport, but the rewards are worth it. Surround yourself with a supportive team, embrace the challenge, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
What are your thoughts on Margot’s comeback and her partnership with Camille Pognante? share your comments below and let’s keep the badminton conversation going!
