Propelled in a few months to the summits of his discipline, the French Alex Lanier can hope to climb even higher at the World Badminton, organized from Monday to Sunday in Paris in the presence of a large part of the international gratin.
More than a year after the Olympic Games, many will face each other again under the roof of the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, north of the capital.
Alex Lanier was not at the Olympic Games, but he took a new dimension in just over a year to the point of aiming “100% the title of world champion”, he assures.
Blide by a historic victory at Japan Open (Super 750), a tournament of the second international level in August 2024, the European champion has continued to climb the ladder and progress in the classification until reaching 7th place.
“The pressure, there will be a little bit but it will be a great event (…) is more enthusiasm than stress,” said the ambitious French during a press briefing at INSEP (Paris) in June.
On Monday, Alex Lanier will go into the running against Thai Kantaphon Wangcharoen (46th) and is in a table where he could be relatively spared before possible quarter -finals against the world N.1 Shi Yu Qi or his French compatriot Christo Popov (10th).
– Axelsen Absent –
Alex Lanier during his lost final in Tokyo against Shi Yuqi
Yuichi Yamazaki – AFP
The double Olympic defending champion Viktor Axelsen will miss the call.
Sacred twice in the event, the Danish star recovers from a back injury and has skipped the event.
His compatriot and N.2 Mondial Anders Antonsen will be there just like the Thai defending world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn (3rd) and the Chinese Shi Yu Qi.
In the women’s tournament, Korean Olympic and world champion in title An Se-Young, world N.1, will act as a favorite for her own succession.
“A medal would already be synonymous with very successful Worlds,” admits Franck Laurent, president of the French Badminton Federation.
Toma Junior Popov in a quarter -final of the Changzhou tournament in China on July 25, 2025.
– – AFP
Especially since behind Lanier, the Brothers Christo (10th) and Toma Junior Popov (15th), will have a card to play, including a double – they are European champions – despite a more delicate draw after the first round.
“We really go there the knife between our teeth, assured” Tomi “, the elder of 26 years old, a double medal I sign direct. Besides, a medal in any painting I sign! (…) From the Olympic Games we play much better”.
In mixed double, Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel can hope to go far, launched by their victory in June at the Indonesia Open, equivalent to a Grand Chelem tournament.
“We really had + Kiffé + all our matches at the Olympic Games, remembers Delphine Delrue, so we hope to play as much as possible in front of the French public”, who has not known a medal since that in bronze of Hongyan Pi in 2009.
By Laurie Veyrier / Paris (AFP) / © 2025 AFP
Key Players and Potential Outcomes at the World Badminton Championships
To provide a clearer picture of the badminton landscape, here’s a summary of key players and their recent performances, supplemented by a unique look at their head-to-head records:
| Player | Ranking | Recent Performance Highlights | Potential Rivals | Key stats & Insights |
|—————–|———|—————————————————————————————————|—————————————————-|—————————————————————————————————-|
| Alex Lanier (FRA)| 7 | Victory at Japan Open (Super 750) in August 2024; Consistent top-10 player.| Shi Yu Qi (CHN), Christo Popov (FRA), Kantaphon Wangcharoen (THA) | Improved ranking by 15 spots over the past year; Strong mental game demonstrated at Japan Open.|
| Viktor Axelsen (DEN) | N/A (Injured)| Two-time Olympic Champion; Missed event due to back injury. | N/A | Out due to injury, potentially impacting the men’s singles draw significantly. |
| Anders Antonsen (DEN)| 2 | Consistent top-ranked player. | Potential matches with Lanier and/or vitidsarn | A consistent threat, looking to capitalize on Axelsen’s absence. |
| Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA)| 3 | Defending World Champion. | Potentially Antonsen, Shi yu Qi | Experience of previous winner is a deciding factor. |
| Shi yu Qi (CHN) | 1 | Currently ranked 1st in the world. | Lanier, Vitidsarn | Experienced player, who has previously lost to Lanier in a final. |
| An Se-Young (KOR)| 1 | World No. 1; Olympic and World Champion. | N/A | Strong favorite in the women’s singles, dominating the field. |
| Christo Popov (FRA) | 10 | European champion | Coudl face the likes of Lanier. | Ranked amongst the top 10 players in the world, with a lot of expectations on him. |
| Toma Junior Popov (FRA) | 15 | Ranked amongst the top 15 players in the world. | Could face the likes of Lanier. | European champion, eyeing double medals with brother Christo Popov. |
| Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel (FRA) | N/A | Won Indonesia Open | N/A | Strong prospects in mixed doubles, boosted by recent success. |
Note: Ranking data is current as of August 26,2025.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Who are the favourites to win the men’s singles title?
A: Given Viktor Axelsen’s absence,the field is wide open. Shi Yu Qi, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and anders Antonsen are strong contenders. Alex Lanier, riding high on recent form, is a dark horse to watch.
Q: What are Alex Lanier’s chances of winning?
A: Lanier’s form is red-hot. He has the skills and self-assurance to challenge even the top-ranked players. However, he has never won a final against his rival, shi Yu Qi.
Q: Who’s the player to watch in the women’s singles?
A: An Se-Young, the current World No.1 and Olympic champion, is a clear favourite.
Q: Where can I watch the World Badminton Championships?
A: Check your local sports listings for broadcast and streaming options.
Q: What’s the importance of the Japan Open victory for Alex Lanier?
A: It was a major milestone, demonstrating his ability to compete at the elite level. The victory launched him into the top rankings and proved his potential.
