Lanier, Gicquel-Delrue make French history at worlds
Alex Lanier and the mixed doubles pair of Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue have made history by reaching the finals of the World Badminton Championships in New Delhi. This marks the first time French representatives have competed for a title at this event.
Why it matters
This achievement signals a significant shift in the global competitive landscape of badminton, traditionally dominated by Asian nations.
PETALING JAYA: It was a historic day for French badminton as Alex Lanier and Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue stormed into the men’s singles and mixed doubles finals at the World Championships in New Delhi on Saturday (Aug 22).
Never before have France had a representative in the final of any event at the world meet, but they will now have two shots at glory.
Gicquel-Delrue made it to the semi-finals at the last edition before bowing out.
The 21-year-old Lanier battled for one hour and 25 minutes to beat Victor Lai of Canada 16-21, 21-13, 21-14 in an energy-sapping semi-final match at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.
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