BIRMINGHAM, England – A stunning comeback by France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue saw them defeat the heavily favored Chinese duo of Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui in the semifinal of the 2026 Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships on Saturday, March 7th. The match, played at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, marked a significant upset in the tournament and sends the French pair into the final.
The Chinese pair, who had previously defeated Indonesia’s Amri Syahnawi and Nita Violina Marwah earlier in the tournament, appeared to be in control after a dominant first game. But, Gicquel and Delrue mounted a remarkable recovery, ultimately prevailing in a thrilling three-game match.
Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui started strongly, showcasing their skill and precision to take the first game 21-11. Their dominance was evident as they quickly established a lead and maintained it throughout the game, leaving little room for their opponents to respond. The opening game suggested a straightforward victory for the sixth-ranked Chinese pair.
The second game began with Guo and Chen continuing their momentum, racing to a 12-7 lead. They seemed poised to close out the match quickly, building a substantial advantage. However, the French pair refused to concede, battling back point by point to level the score at 16-16. This shift in momentum proved crucial, as Gicquel and Delrue ultimately secured the second game 21-18, forcing a decisive third game.
The third game was a tense and closely contested affair. Both pairs traded points, displaying impressive athleticism and determination. It was Gicquel and Delrue who found an extra gear, securing the victory and a place in the final. The final score of the third game was not immediately available, but the result signifies a major achievement for the French duo.
This victory for Gicquel and Delrue continues a remarkable run for the pair at the All England Open. Their resilience and ability to overcome adversity have been key to their success throughout the tournament. The French pair’s performance underscores the growing competitiveness in international badminton, where established powerhouses are facing increasingly stiff challenges from emerging teams.
The All England Open is a prestigious tournament in the badminton world, steeped in history and tradition. Held annually in Birmingham, England, it attracts the world’s top players and is considered one of the most important events on the BWF World Tour. The 2026 edition, a Super 1000 event, is no exception, featuring intense competition across all five disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Gicquel and Delrue’s semifinal win has been widely celebrated within the badminton community. Their ability to turn the match around after losing the first game demonstrates their mental fortitude and tactical awareness. The French pair will now look ahead to the final, where they will face a challenging opponent as they aim to claim the coveted All England Open title.
The result also marks a disappointing end to the tournament for Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui, who were considered strong contenders for the championship. Despite their strong start, they were unable to maintain their dominance and ultimately succumbed to the pressure from their French opponents.
The Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships 2026 continues to deliver exciting matches and unexpected results. Fans can follow the tournament’s progress and results on the official BWF World Tour website: https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/tournament/5515/yonex-all-england-open-badminton-championships-2026/overview/.
The final promises to be a captivating contest, with Gicquel and Delrue aiming to complete their fairytale run and secure their first All England Open title. Badminton enthusiasts around the globe will be eagerly anticipating the clash, hoping to witness another thrilling chapter in the tournament’s rich history.
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