Alex Lanier first Frenchman to medal at badminton world c'ships
Alex Lanier has become the first Frenchman to secure a men's singles medal at the BWF World Championships after defeating Kunlavut Vitidsarn. He is set to face Canada's Victor Lai in the semi-finals.
Why it matters
This marks a historic milestone for French badminton on the global stage, highlighting the rise of a new generation of talent in the sport.
Frenchman Alex Lanier celebrating his men’s singles quarter-final win against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on Aug 21.
Listen SINGAPORE – At just 21, Alex Lanier became the first Frenchman to secure a Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships men’s singles medal when he came from behind to beat 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the quarter-finals on Aug 21.
Having lost the first game at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi, India, he looked out for the count as he trailed 3-11 in the second game, before bouncing back for an impressive 19-21, 21-16, 21-16 win over the world No. 2 in 78 minutes.
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