BIRMINGHAM, England – French badminton duo Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue continued their impressive run at the All England Open on Friday, securing a spot in the semifinals with a dominant victory over China’s Jiang and Wei, the No. 2 ranked pair in the world. The straight-set win, 21-16, 21-16, marks another milestone for the rising French team.
The Rennais, Thom Gicquel, and his partner have navigated the Super 1000 tournament in Birmingham – one of the five most prestigious events on the badminton calendar – without dropping a single set. Their performance signals a strong challenge for the title, especially considering their historic Super 1000 victory last year in Indonesia.
Gicquel punctuated the match with a remarkable net shot, eliciting cheers from the French contingent in attendance. The victory sets up a semifinal clash against the winner of the match between Indonesia’s Syahnawi/Marwah and China’s Guo/Chen (ranked No. 6), scheduled to accept place later Friday.
This tournament builds on a successful stretch for the pair. According to reports from the tournament, Gicquel and Delrue have demonstrated consistent form and tactical precision throughout the competition. Their ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on opponents’ errors has been key to their success.
The All England Open holds significant weight in the world of badminton, often considered the most prestigious tournament outside of the World Championships and the Olympics. A strong showing here not only boosts a player’s world ranking but likewise provides valuable momentum heading into the Olympic year.
Gicquel, born January 12, 1999, has quickly risen through the ranks of the sport, achieving a career-high ranking of No. 5 in mixed doubles with Delphine Delrue as of January 3, 2023, and currently holding a ranking of No. 5 as of December 30, 2025, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The French pair’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by their unwavering focus and strategic gameplay. They have consistently outmaneuvered their opponents, showcasing a strong understanding of court positioning and shot selection. Their ability to adapt to different playing styles has also been a crucial factor in their success.
Read also: INTERVIEW. Thom Gicquel: “The world medal, you can’t take that away from me”
Having not conceded a single set in the tournament thus far, Gicquel and Delrue are demonstrating a level of dominance rarely seen in elite badminton competition. Their confidence is palpable, and they appear well-prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead.
The semifinal match on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. The outcome will determine whether the French duo can continue their remarkable run and compete for the All England Open title. Fans can expect a high-intensity battle as Gicquel and Delrue aim to add another prestigious trophy to their collection.
The pair’s previous Super 1000 title in Indonesia last year serves as a testament to their ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage. They will undoubtedly draw upon that experience as they navigate the challenges of the All England Open semifinals.
As they prepare for their next match, Gicquel and Delrue will likely focus on maintaining their aggressive playing style and capitalizing on any weaknesses in their opponents’ game. Their ability to execute their strategies effectively will be crucial to their success.
The All England Open semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, March 7th. The exact timing of Gicquel and Delrue’s match will depend on the completion of the earlier matches. Fans can stay updated on the tournament schedule and results through the official BWF website and other reputable sports news sources.
The French duo’s success at the All England Open is a significant achievement for French badminton, showcasing the growing talent and potential within the nation’s badminton program. Their performance is sure to inspire a new generation of badminton players in France and beyond.
What’s next for Gicquel and Delrue? All eyes will be on their semifinal match as they strive to reach the final and compete for the All England Open title. Their journey continues, and badminton fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if they can continue their winning streak.
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