The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Club Alençonnais Badminton (CAB) as they prepare for a pivotal match on Saturday, April 11th. The team will face Orléans in a decisive contest at the Halle Alice-Milliat, with a playoff spot for promotion to Nationale 1 on the line. This game represents a potential high point in the club’s history.
CAB secured their opportunity for this high-stakes showdown with a hard-fought 3-5 victory over Bayard Argentan on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. However, Orléans, currently leading their Nationale 2 pool, presents a formidable challenge. The Loiret-based team suffered a minor setback, drawing against Aire-sur-la-Lys, but still holds a four-point lead in the standings with 41 total points. The final match of the season will determine which team earns the coveted first-place position and automatic qualification for the playoffs.
“The Final Day Will Be Crucial”
Yann Lemesle, the captain of Alençon, expressed satisfaction with the derby win, but remained grounded. “The essential thing is that we got the win, especially considering Orléans dropped points. The last day will be crucial, because a victory will qualify us for the playoffs for promotion to Nationale 1,” Lemesle calculated.
The win against Bayard Argentan was a testament to the team’s strength in singles play. Tom Germain and Arthur Vaugeois delivered victories in the men’s singles, while Diane Lemesle and Charlotte Linéro triumphed in the women’s singles. This strong performance in the individual matches proved vital to securing the overall win.
However, the doubles matches presented a tougher challenge for the visiting Alençon team, who were considered the favorites. Bayard Argentan claimed three of the four doubles matches, notably securing both mixed doubles contests.
Match Details
ARGENTAN – ALENÇON: 3-5
Men’s Singles 1: Tom Germain (N1, CAB) def. Arthur Shanmugarajah (N1, BABA), 21-9, 21-19
Men’s Singles 2: Arthur Vaugeois (N1, CAB) def. Marco Marie (N2, BABA), 21-11, 21-16
Women’s Singles 1: Diane Lemesle (N2, CAB) def. Eugénie Guerder (N2, BABA), 21-14, 17-21, 22-20
Women’s Singles 2: Charlotte Linéro (N2, CAB) def. Nina Loughi (N3, BABA), 21-13, 21-14
Men’s Doubles: Tanguy Barbelette (N2) and Sébastien Mida (N1, CAB) def. Marco Marie (N2) and Maxime Renault (N1, BABA), 21-18, 21-18
Women’s Doubles: Célia Lourghi (N3) and Nina Lourghi (N3, BABA) def. Léna Lemesle (N2) and Charlotte Linéro (N2, CAB), 21-19, 21-17
Mixed Doubles 1: Arthur Shanmugarajah (N2) and Célia Lourghi (N2, BABA) def. Tom Germain (N2) and Céline Heude-Gasnier (N1, CAB), 11-21, 21-18, 24-22
Mixed Doubles 2: Maxime Renault (N2) and Eugénie Guerder (N2, BABA) def. Tanguy Barbelette (N1) and Diane Lemesle (N3, CAB), 22-20, 21-13
The upcoming match against Orléans is scheduled for Saturday, April 11th at 4:00 PM local time (22:00 UTC) at the Halle Alice-Milliat. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the Alençon Badminton Club pushes for a historic promotion to Nationale 1.
This contest isn’t just about a single match; it’s about the culmination of a season’s worth of effort and the realization of a long-held ambition for the Club Alençonnais Badminton. The team’s performance will not only determine their fate in the current season but likewise shape the future of badminton in the Orne region. The club currently boasts 163 licensed players, with 39% being female and 30% under the age of 18 and fields seven interclub teams, including a Nationale 2 squad. They also hold a four-star rating from the École Française de Badminton.
Adding to the excitement, Tom Germain has recently qualified for the French Senior Championships for the first time, a significant achievement for the club. He will compete in Caen from February 6th to 8th, 2026. The club also recently hosted a National Youth Tournament on March 21st and 22nd, 2026, attracting young talent from across the country. More information on the tournament can be found here.
The Alençon Badminton Club continues to foster a thriving badminton community, and the upcoming match against Orléans represents a pivotal moment for the club and its supporters. The team’s success will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of badminton players in the region.
What’s Next: The Club Alençonnais Badminton will face Orléans on Saturday, April 11th at 4:00 PM local time (22:00 UTC) at the Halle Alice-Milliat. Follow the club’s social media channels for updates and live coverage.
What do you sense? Can Alençon pull off the upset and secure a playoff berth? Share your predictions in the comments below!
