Exploit by Christo Popov against the world No. 8 and great performance by Delrue/Gicquel in mixed doubles: French badminton had a remarkable tournament in Japan. Find out the details of their victories and the hopes they have for the future of their sport in our article.
French badminton is currently shining brightly on Japanese courts during the Kumamoto Masters. Christo Popov, one of the great hopes of the discipline, achieved a real feat by eliminating the Taiwanese Chou Tien Chen, 8th player in the world, after an epic match in three sets (10-21, 21-14, 21 -18). A performance which confirms the full potential of this young 21-year-old player.
Christo Popov, the French revelation
Winner two weeks ago of the Hylo Open in Germany, a Super 300 tournament, Christo Popov continues his progress. Against Chou Tien Chen, he showed incredible mental strength to overturn a poorly started match. Trailing by a set and largely dominated in the first set, the Frenchman didn’t give up to finally win 21-18 in the final set, after having rejected several match points. A victory which opens the doors to the quarter-finals, where he will face another big name on the circuit, the Dane Viktor Axelsen, double reigning Olympic champion.
The other tricolors in the running
If his brother Toma Junior did not experience the same success, losing against the local Kodai Naraoka in two sets (24-22, 21-9), other French players did well in Japan. In mixed doubles, the pair Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel created a sensation by dominating the Chinese Cheng-Zhang, although better ranked (21-13, 21-17). A promising result for this constantly progressing duo.
Among the disappointments, we note the premature elimination of Arnaud Merklé in the first round and the poor performance of Léonice Huet in the women’s singles.
French badminton in full swing
These good results confirm the positive dynamic of French badminton, driven by an ambitious new generation. Christo Popov, but also his brother Toma Junior and the Delrue/Gicquel duo embody this rising wave. Medalists at the last European Championships, regularly performing well on the world circuit, they are taking French badminton to the top.
Work pays. We train hard every day to experience moments like this. Beating a world top 10 is an important step in my career.
Christo Popov after his victory against Chou Tien Chen
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in their sights, these young talents have something to dream about. If they maintain their progress, there is no doubt that they will play the leading roles in two years at home. Badminton, a sport still little-known in France, could then experience a boom in popularity thanks to their exploits.
Paris 2024 objective
Until then, there are numerous deadlines for French badistas, including the world championships this summer and a new season on the international circuit which promises to be intense. But given their recent performances, we can legitimately think that they will be there. Enough to generate tremendous enthusiasm around a spectacular and demanding sport, still too often in the shadow of the major disciplines.
One thing is certain: French badminton has a bright future ahead of it. And the exploits of Christo Popov and his teammates in Japan are the perfect illustration of this. Looking forward to the sequel!
These good results confirm the positive dynamic of French badminton, driven by an ambitious new generation. Christo Popov, but also his brother Toma Junior and the Delrue/Gicquel duo embody this rising wave. Medalists at the last European Championships, regularly performing well on the world circuit, they are taking French badminton to the top.
Work pays. We train hard every day to experience moments like this. Beating a world top 10 is an important step in my career.
Christo Popov after his victory against Chou Tien Chen
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in their sights, these young talents have something to dream about. If they maintain their progress, there is no doubt that they will play the leading roles in two years at home. Badminton, a sport still little-known in France, could then experience a boom in popularity thanks to their exploits.
Paris 2024 objective
Until then, there are numerous deadlines for French badistas, including the world championships this summer and a new season on the international circuit which promises to be intense. But given their recent performances, we can legitimately think that they will be there. Enough to generate tremendous enthusiasm around a spectacular and demanding sport, still too often in the shadow of the major disciplines.
One thing is certain: French badminton has a bright future ahead of it. And the exploits of Christo Popov and his teammates in Japan are the perfect illustration of this. Looking forward to the sequel!
