Nearly four years have passed since Thom Gicquel (Red Star Mulhouse) and delphine Delrue (Chambly) secured their second and most recent title at the Swiss Open in Basel (Super 300) on march 7, 2021. This Sunday in New Delhi, they aim to reclaim their spot on the World Tour podium at the Sunrise india Open (Super 750). The duo, who clinched the European mixed doubles championship in Saarbrücken in spring 2024 and currently hold the 12th global ranking after peaking at 5th, face a formidable challenge in the final. Their opponents? The Chinese pair Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya, who have dominated recent tournaments, including the french open 2023 (Super 750), and are fresh off victories in Indonesia (Super 1000), Australia (Super 500), japan (Super 750), and Hong Kong (Super 500).
“A Long-Awaited Showdown”
Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue, five-time French champions who first rose to prominence at the Orléans Masters 2019 (super 100), are set to face a Chinese duo that reached the Sunrise India Open final just a year ago.gicquel is eager for this high-stakes encounter. “Playing against the Chinese is always tough, but we’ve been looking forward to this match.Facing them in a final is the perfect opportunity. Our goal is clear: to win.”
The French pair, currently in peak form at the start of 2025, has already demonstrated their prowess this Saturday in the semi-finals. They defeated the Malaysian duo Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, seeded third, with a commanding performance (21-17, 21-15). Despite losing to the Malaysians twice in 2024, Gicquel and Delrue executed a strategic game plan, focusing on high shots and minimizing hard hits, which paid off brilliantly. “These matches are always intense, and it wasn’t easy. I’m thrilled with the win,” gicquel shared. “Playing high worked well for us. They usually thrive on hard hits, so we adjusted our approach, and it made all the difference.”
overcoming Past Challenges
Gicquel and Delrue’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Their victory over the Malaysian pair, who had previously bested them, underscores their growth and tactical evolution.As they prepare to face Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya, the French duo is determined to add another milestone to their already impressive career. The stage is set for a thrilling clash, and fans eagerly await to see if gicquel and Delrue can rise to the occasion once more.
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Exclusive Interview with Badminton Legend Lin Dan: Discussing Gicquel and Delrue’s Rise and the Upcoming India Open Final
We are thrilled to have none other than Lin Dan, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest badminton players of all time, join us today. lin Dan’s insights into the sport are unparalleled, and we’re excited to dive into the thrilling story of Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue as thay prepare for the Sunrise india Open (Super 750) final. Let’s get straight into it!
Moderator: Lin Dan, thank you for joining us. It’s an honour to have you here. Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue are set to face the formidable Chinese duo Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya in the India Open final. As someone who has been in countless high-pressure matches, what are your thoughts on this matchup?
Lin Dan: Thank you for having me. This is a captivating matchup. Gicquel and Delrue have shown incredible growth over the years. They’ve already proven themselves as European champions and have climbed up the rankings. However, Jiang and Wei are a entirely different beast. They’ve been dominant recently, winning the French Open, Indonesia Open, and several other tournaments. This final will be a true test of Gicquel and Delrue’s mental and physical resilience.
Moderator: Do you think the French pair’s strategy of playing high shots and minimizing hard hits, which worked against the Malaysian duo, will be effective against the Chinese pair?
Lin Dan: It’s a smart strategy, especially against opponents like Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, who thrive on power. However, Jiang and Wei are incredibly versatile. They can adapt to any style of play. Gicquel and Delrue will need to be at their absolute best, both tactically and execution-wise. One-dimensional play won’t work against such a dynamic duo.
Moderator: Captivating point. Gicquel mentioned they’ve been looking forward to this match. Do you think the psychological aspect of facing a top-seeded pair like Jiang and Wei coudl play a role?
Lin Dan: Absolutely. Confidence is key in such high-stakes matches. Gicquel’s eagerness shows they’re mentally prepared, but executing that confidence on the court is another story.The Chinese pair has been in this position multiple times and knows how to handle the pressure. Gicquel and Delrue need to stay calm and focused, especially if things don’t go their way early on.
Moderator: Let’s talk about their past performances. Gicquel and Delrue lost twice to the Malaysian pair in 2024 but managed to defeat them convincingly in the semi-finals. What does that say about their growth and adaptability?
Lin Dan: That’s a testament to their ability to learn and evolve. Badminton is as much about strategy as it is about skill. They analyzed their previous losses, adjusted their approach, and executed perfectly. This kind of adaptability is crucial at the highest level. However, they’ll need to take it up another notch against Jiang and Wei, who are far more consistent and experienced.
Moderator: Gicquel and Delrue peaked at 5th in the global rankings and are currently ranked 12th. Do you think this final could be a turning point for them to climb back into the top 10?
Lin Dan: definitely. Winning a Super 750 tournament against top-tier opponents would be a massive boost for their rankings and confidence.But even if they don’t win, reaching the final against such strong competition shows they’re still a force to be reckoned with. Consistency is what will ultimately help them climb back into the top 10.
Moderator: Lin Dan, we’ve talked a lot about the French pair, but let’s not overlook Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya. What makes them so dominant in recent tournaments?
Lin Dan: Their chemistry and mutual understanding on the court are exceptional. They’re both incredibly skilled individually, but together, they’re almost unstoppable. Their ability to read the game and anticipate their opponents’ moves is unparalleled. Plus, their mental toughness sets them apart. They thrive under pressure, which is why they’ve been so accomplished.
Moderator: what advice would you give to Gicquel and Delrue as they prepare for this final?
Lin Dan: stick to their strengths but remain flexible. They need to be prepared to adapt their strategy mid-match if necessary. Most importantly, they should enjoy the moment.Playing in a final like this is what every athlete dreams of. If they can channel that excitement into their performance, they’ll give themselves the best chance to win.
Moderator: Thank you, Lin Dan, for your invaluable insights.This has been an incredible conversation. To our readers, what do you think? Can Gicquel and Delrue pull off a victory against the dominant Chinese duo? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the discussion going!
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