The French compete with the world elite at the Kumamoto Masters in Japan. If Popov falls with honors against Axelsen, Delrue/Gicquel continue their journey in mixed doubles…
The French compete against the world’s best badminton players this week at the Kumamoto Masters, a Super 500 tournament, in Japan. If Christo Popov ended up losing in the quarter-final against double Danish Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, the pair Delphine Delrue/Thom Gicquel continued their journey in mixed doubles.
Christo Popov pushes Axelsen to his limits
The young French prodigy Christo Popov, 21, delivered a remarkable match against world badminton star Viktor Axelsen. Despite a defeat in three tight sets (21-18, 16-21, 21-18), the Habs confirmed that they had regained their best feelings.
Popov manhandled the Dane, pushing him to his limits. He had the weapons to bring him down with incisive net play and hurtful shots. But Axelsen was able to resist and place decisive shots, including a full-line smash to lead 18-17 in the final round.
I fought well, I gave everything. Axelsen had to work hard to win. I’m disappointed but we have to remember the positives from this match.
Christo Popov
The Frenchman progresses with each confrontation
It was the seventh meeting between the two players, and Popov still failed to win. But the Frenchman progresses with each duel, pushing the Dane more and more to his limits. There is no doubt that his first victory is not very far away.
In the meantime, Christo Popov can be proud of his performance which confirms his return to the highest level after a more delicate period. A good omen for the rest of the season.
Delrue/Gicquel qualified for the mixed doubles semi-finals
The French pair Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel qualified for the semi-finals of the mixed doubles by dominating the Thais Sudjaipraparat/Oupthong in two sets (21-14, 22-20). A match controlled by the reigning European champions despite a tight second set.
We remained solid in the important moments. We are super happy to reach the last four.
Delphine Delrue
A major challenge in the semi-finals
In the semi-finals, Delrue and Gicquel will face the Chinese duo Guo/Chen, 17th in the world, against whom they have never played before. An exciting new challenge for the French pair who will aim for a place in the final.
The other French people eliminated
The other French representatives entered in the competition were eliminated earlier in the tournament:
- Arnaud Merkle in the 1st round of the men’s singles
- Rohan Lanier in the 2nd round of the men’s singles
- Anne Tran in the quarter-finals of the women’s singles
- Delrue/Tran in the ladies’ doubles quarters
Despite these eliminations, the French players displayed a good level of play and a conquering state of mind. Enough to approach the end of the season with ambition and determination to shine on the international badminton scene.
