The French lost in the final against the German pair (16-21; 22-20; 21-16). Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel bring silver to the European badminton championships in Madrid.
Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel lost to the Germans Isabel Lohau and Mark Lamfuss in the final of the European badminton championships in Madrid. The French mixed doubles pair were hoping for more than silver, however. Having won the three previous confrontations against the German pair, the French were favorites in this match.
The French were surprised
The Germans, serving, start the game slightly ahead. From the start of the match, Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel had to close the gap. The first set is very tight but the French are in front at the break (11-10). Lamfuss and Gicquel go blow for blow on serve, waiting as long as possible before throwing the point, forcing the referee to call them to order. The Blues chain several points and win the first set 16-21.
The next two sets follow the same dynamic: a lot of intensity and decisive serves. The Germans take over at the end of the second set and win by two points (22-20). Eventually, the final set will see Lohau and Lamfuss dominate. Physically fresher and faster, despite their seventh game of the weekend, the Germans lead by five points at the end of the match (21-16).
It’s the silver medal ???? for the mixed Thom GICQUEL / Delphine DELRUE
After a hotly contested final, the Blues lost 21/16 20/22 16/21 against Mark LAMSFUSS / Isabel LOHAU ????????
Bravo Thom, @dedeyyyyy and their staff ???? @EquipeFRA @Paris2024 @Olympic Games pic.twitter.com/toYbaXLtF9
– FFBaD (@FFBaD) April 30, 2022
Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel, a silver medal with a bitter taste
The French came to Madrid for the European title. After a controlled semi-final against the Dutch Selena Piek and Robin Tabeling (21-19; 21-15), all hopes were allowed. They could have become the first French European badminton champions in mixed doubles in history. Unfortunately, they will have to wait a few more years. At only 23 years old, their track record is already full. Quadruple French champions, European vice-champions and a first participation in the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games… Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel are the prodigies of French badminton.
Photo credit : Marie Lopez Vivanco
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