There will be no final at the Worlds for Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue. Despite the support of Adidas Arena, the French pair was beaten in the semi-finals of the mixed double by the Malaysians Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, 4th in the world (21-18, 21-16).
The darlings of the Porte de la Chapelle will have to be satisfied with the bronze, a metal insured before even entering the field this Saturday. Already exceptional, this performance is even a first in double for French badminton.
The day after their superb performance against the Chinese pair Cheng/Zhang in the quarterfinals (21-19, 21-18), the Habs had trouble relaunching the machine. Quickly distant to the brand (1-5 then 2-6), Gicquel and Delrue appeared tense by the stake, undoubtedly caught up in the possibility of competing in the first final in the history of the French badminton at the Worlds.
First French medal since 2009
If the two partners gave up in pain (12-12 then 17-17), the logic of the first round was finally respected, the explosive Malaysian team accelerating to win four of the last five points and take the advantage (21-18).
Despite their rage and the supported encouragement of the French staff during the side change, the two team members failed to reverse the trend at the start of the second set, taken by the opposing rhythm (0-4, then 3-7). They ended up returning arms to a final fault of Gicquel on the first match ball (21-16).
Logically disappointed but all the same proud of their journey, they who won the first French medal at the Worlds from the Bronze of Hongyan Pi in 2009, the Tricolores were greeted by the adidas Arena audience before leaving the stage.
Key Match Statistics: Gicquel/Delrue vs. Chen/Toh
To better understand the dynamics of the match, letS delve into some key statistics. This insightful comparison highlights the critical points where the Malaysian pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, managed to secure their victory against the French duo, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.
| Statistic | Gicquel/Delrue | Chen/Toh | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 score | 18 | 21 | Chen/Toh gained momentum late in the first set, demonstrating their ability to close out close games. |
| Game 2 Score | 16 | 21 | The Malaysian pair quickly established a lead in the second set, putting immense pressure on the French duo. |
| Quarterfinal Result vs. Cheng/Zhang | 21-19, 21-18 | N/A | A strong performance in the quarterfinals showed the pair’s initial potential. |
| French Medal Drought | N/A | N/A | First French medal in doubles badminton. |
Analyzing these metrics reveals that the Malaysian team’s ability to maintain composure and capitalize on crucial moments was a determining factor.Gicquel and Delrue, while showing promise, struggled to sustain their momentum in the face of the pressure.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Gicquel/Delrue’s performance
Here are some of the most common questions regarding the performance of Thom gicquel and Delphine Delrue at the World Championships:
- Why didn’t Gicquel and Delrue reach the final?
- They were defeated in the semi-finals by the Malaysian pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.The Malaysian team displayed stronger execution in the key moments of the match.
- What medal did the French pair win?
- They secured the bronze medal. This is a notable achievement, marking a important milestone for French badminton in doubles.
- When was the last time France won a medal at the World Championships?
- Before this bronze,the last French medal was won by hongyan Pi in 2009.
- What were the key turning points in the semi-final match?
- The Malaysian team’s ability to pull ahead in the first set and quickly establish a lead in the second, putting the French pair under pressure, proved crucial.
- What does this bronze medal mean for French badminton?
- It represents a significant step forward, highlighting the progress of French badminton on the world stage and inspiring younger players. Additionally,a tournament [[1]] is planned for intermediate players in Hong Kong in 2025 (though it is not related).
