FRANCE INTERNATIONAL BADMINTON 2025 – After the defeat of the pair Thom Gicquel – Delphine Delrue, Christo Popov is the only Frenchman to have reached the semi-finals at home.
Super 750 category tournament (second highest level of competition on the BWF circuit), the French International Badminton has been taking place for several years in Cesson-Sévigné. The Blues, as often, hoped to shine there, but in particular with the early eliminations of Toma Junior Popov, Alex Lanier or the pair Margot Lambert – Camille Pognantethere were only two French cards today in the quarter-finals.
Christo Popov last hope
Firstly, the pair Thom Gicquel – Delphine Delruewho won a historic world bronze medal in August in Paris. Facing them, the Danes Mathias Christiansen et Alexandra Bojeagainst whom they were undefeated, and against whom they had above all won in 2024 the first European title in the history of French badminton. Which makes their defeat even more surprising. Caught by the throat from the start, the Blues gave the impression of never getting into the match, losing 21-16, 21-15and confirming their difficulty in bouncing back after their exploit at the Worlds…
Christo Popov was therefore the last French chance. He was the big loser of the draw, since after an unexpected withdrawal, he inherited the world No. 12 in the round of 16… even though he is No. 8! But he took the steps one after the other, notably that of the day against the Taiwanese Chi Yu-Jenwho barely lasted a single set before sinking and bowing 21-13, 21-7. Here he is in the semi-finals, but tomorrow, the challenge will be enormous against the world No. 2 and 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
