BWF WORLD TOUR FINALS 2025 – If Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue narrowly fell, Christo Popov scored an incredible victory against Anders Antonsen.
Three years after their only appearance at the world finals, Thom Gicquel et Delphine Delrue were back for the last badminton meeting of the year. But this time they were accompanied by Christo Popovqualified for the first time. The two French cards took to the track this morning in Hangzhou.
Too bad for Gicquel – Delrue
First on deck, Thom Gicquel et Delphine Delrue had a big piece from the start, the Chinese pair Zhen Bang Jiang – Ya Xin Weii.e. the world No. 2 and reigning world vice-champions. In addition, they had won the only previous confrontation, in the final of the Indian Open last January.
Badminton: Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue fall in the final of the India Open
INDIA OPEN 2025 – Without merit, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue lost in the final against the Chinese favorites, but returned to the Top 10 in the world with their fine performance.
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The result was the same, but there will be regrets. The Blues dominated the first set, with all-terrain defense and some genius moves, but in the fight, the Chinese showed extreme solidity. Particularly in the decisive round, where a few poorly negotiated points made the difference. However, we had the impression that Thom Gicquel et Delphine Delrue had the means to win, but this defeat 16-21, 21-16, 21-17 jeopardizes their chance of seeing the semi-finals. Tomorrow, we will have to win against the Thai pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh – Supissara Paewsampranfor the rematch of the Indonesia Open final.
Amazing Christo Popov
It was therefore a first for Christo Popovand he was immediately entitled to a prestigious opponent: Anders Antonsenquadruple world medalist, double European champion, a reference. Worse still, their last confrontation was not so long ago, since the Dane had won in the final of the last French Open!
The Frenchman therefore arrived with a desire for revenge, but the meeting was strange. In the first set, Antonsen gave the impression of swinging the match, multiplying gross errors. But in the second, he played at his level, and dominated the match… before falling back into his mistakes. Christo Popov He was much more regular, standing out until he got seven shuttlecocks in the match. Before missing six, falling heavily on the fifth which gave rise to fears of a serious knee injury… to finally conclude on the last one at his disposal.
An incredible ending and a victory 21-13, 12-21, 21-19 which places the Frenchman in a strong position before challenging the reigning Olympic vice-champion tomorrow, Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
