Nearly four years have passed since Thom Gicquel (Red Star Mulhouse) and Delphine Delrue (Chambly) clinched their second and most recent World Tour victory at the Swiss Open in Basel (Super 300) on March 7, 2021. This Sunday, they aim to add another prestigious title to their accolades at the Sunrise India Open (Super 750) in New Delhi, with the match scheduled to begin around 8:10 a.m. Since their last triumph,the duo has risen to prominence,securing the European mixed doubles championship in Saarbrücken during spring 2024. Currently ranked 12th globally, after peaking at 5th, they face a formidable challenge in the final. But what a challenge it is indeed!
Statistically, they enter the final as underdogs against the Chinese pair Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya, who have dominated recent tournaments, including the Super 1000 and Super 500 events in Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong. The Chinese duo also reached the finals of the French Open 2023 (super 750), showcasing their consistent excellence. Gicquel and Delrue, however, have proven their mettle, having triumphed in the Finnish Arctic Open (Super 500) and the Denmark Open (Super 750) in October 2024.
“A Long-Awaited Showdown”
This Sunday, the French pair, five-time national champions and winners of the Orléans Masters 2019 (Super 100), will face a Chinese team that reached the Sunrise India Open finals just a year ago. Gicquel is eager for the challenge. “Playing against the Chinese is always tough,but we’ve been looking forward to this matchup.A final is the perfect stage to test ourselves. Our goal is clear—to win,” he stated confidently.
Gicquel and Delrue are in peak form as 2025 begins, having recently demonstrated their prowess in the semi-finals. They defeated the Malaysian pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, seeded 3rd, with a commanding performance (21-17, 21-15). Despite trailing in previous encounters against the Malaysians in 2024, the French duo executed a strategic shift, focusing on precision over power, which paid off handsomely.
“these matches are always nerve-wracking, and this one was no exception. I’m thrilled with the win,” Gicquel reflected. “We adjusted our strategy by playing more controlled shots instead of relying on power, which disrupted their rhythm. It worked brilliantly.”
Interview with Badminton Legend Lin dan: Analyzing the sunrise India Open Final
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, too today’s special interview featuring none other than Lin Dan, two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest badminton players of all time.Lin, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive straight into the action.
Lin Dan: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the sport I love.
Moderator: Lin, this Sunday marks the Sunrise India Open Super 750 final in New Delhi, where the French pair Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue will face the formidable Chinese duo, Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya. What are your thoughts on this matchup?
Lin Dan: It’s an exciting clash, no doubt. Gicquel and Delrue have been consistent performers, especially after winning the European Championships last year. they’ve shown they can rise to the occasion. However, Jiang and Wei have been dominant recently, winning multiple high-profile tournaments. The Chinese pair’s consistency and chemistry make them the favorites,but the french duo’s strategic adaptability could pose a serious challenge.
Moderator: That’s an interesting point. Gicquel and Delrue have had a roller-coaster journey since their last World Tour win in 2021,peaking at 5th in the world rankings but now sitting at 12th. Do you think they can reclaim their former glory?
Lin Dan: Absolutely. Rankings are just numbers. What matters is their performance on the court. They’ve proven they can win against top-tier opponents, as seen in their victories at the Finland Arctic Open and Denmark Open last year. Their recent semi-final win against the 3rd-seeded Malaysian pair was a masterclass in strategy. If they can maintain that level of play,they’re more than capable of adding another title to their resume.
Moderator: Speaking of strategy, Gicquel mentioned that they shifted their approach to focus on precision over power in the semi-finals. How crucial is tactical flexibility in badminton, especially in high-stakes matches?
Lin Dan: Tactical flexibility is everything. Badminton is as much a mental game as it is indeed physical. Adapting to your opponent’s style and exploiting their weaknesses is key. Gicquel and Delrue’s decision to play more controlled shots disrupted the Malaysians’ rhythm,and that’s what won them the match.Against Jiang and wei, they’ll need to be equally sharp. The Chinese pair thrives on fast-paced, aggressive play, so the French will have to find a way to counter that.
Moderator: Jiang and Wei have been on fire lately, reaching the finals of the French Open last year and dominating the Australian, Japanese, and Hong Kong tournaments. What makes them such a formidable force?
Lin Dan: Their synergy is unmatched. Jiang and Wei complement each other perfectly—Jiang’s power and Wei’s precision create a lethal combination. They’re also incredibly consistent under pressure, which is why they’ve performed so well in major tournaments. They’re not just physically strong; they’re mentally tough, and that’s what sets them apart.
Moderator: Gicquel and Delrue have faced tough opponents before,but this seems like their biggest test yet. Do you think they have what it takes to pull off an upset?
Lin Dan: It’s definitely possible. Gicquel and Delrue have shown they can handle pressure,and their recent form is impressive. Though,they’ll need to be flawless in execution.The Chinese duo doesn’t give manny openings, so the French pair must capitalize on every opportunity. It’s going to be a thrilling match,and I’m excited to see how it unfolds.
Moderator: Lin, before we wrap up, I’d like to ask our readers to weigh in. Do you think Gicquel and Delrue can overcome Jiang and Wei to win the Sunrise India Open? What are your predictions for the final? share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lin Dan: I agree—let’s hear from the fans. Badminton is a sport that thrives on passion and debate, and I’m curious to see what everyone thinks.
Moderator: Thank you, Lin, for your insights and analysis. It’s always a pleasure to hear from a legend of the game. Folks, don’t forget to tune in this Sunday at 8:10 a.m. for what promises to be an electrifying final. until next time, stay tuned for more expert discussions and updates from the world of badminton!
Lin dan: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
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What do you think? can Gicquel and Delrue defy the odds and win the Sunrise India Open, or will Jiang and Wei continue their dominance? Share your predictions and join the conversation below!
