Pacé, France – Flume Ille Badminton (FIB) strengthened their position in the French Top 12 badminton league with a decisive 5-3 victory over Caen on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The win, as predicted by club president Serge Bodin, moves FIB closer to securing a fourth-place finish – their stated objective for the season.
Dominant Start in Doubles
The evening began favorably for the home side, with the pairings of Gicquel/Crespel and Kersaudy/Rodriguez delivering strong performances in the mixed doubles. Gicquel and Crespel overcame Schmitt/Kelly 21-18, 20-22, 21-17, while Kersaudy and Rodriguez defeated Dubois/Gaudreau 21-17, 21-15. This early success set a positive tone for FIB.
Mixed Results in Singles
The singles matches presented a more varied outcome. Inès Villard faced a tough challenge from Poland’s Weronika Gorniak, ultimately falling in three sets (17-21, 21-18, 21-19) despite a competitive showing. Carla Dubois also fought hard against Belgium’s Clara Lassaux, ranked 144th globally, but could only secure one set in a 21-13, 13-21, 21-14 defeat. Erwin Kehlhoffner, however, provided a crucial point for FIB, comfortably defeating Thomas Schmitt 21-17, 21-14.
FIB’s Strength in Men’s Doubles
The pairing of Gicquel and Kersaudy continued FIB’s winning momentum, dominating their doubles match against Dubois and Lamirault with a score of 21-8, 21-13. Captain Bastian Kersaudy highlighted the strength of this pairing, stating, “We knew that with Thom [Gicquel] especially, we could accept the ascendancy in the men’s matches.”
Close Contest in Women’s Doubles and Final Singles Match
The women’s doubles saw a hard-fought battle, with FIB’s Crespel and Gautier ultimately losing to Kelly and Gaudreau 21-13, 20-22, 21-12. This result narrowed the gap, bringing the score to 4-3 in favor of FIB. The match then hinged on the final men’s singles encounter between Raphaël Chenu and Bourroum, both ranked within the French top 20.
Chenu Seals the Victory
Raphaël Chenu delivered a decisive performance, securing the win for FIB with a 21-12, 21-16 victory over Bourroum. This result marked FIB’s third success in eight Top 12 matches. Bastian Kersaudy expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, stating, “The maintenance is secured but we want the 4th place, we have the means to do it. For a first season at this level, it’s very excellent.”
Match Results: FIB – CBC Caen: 5-3
Doubles mixtes: Gicquel/Crespel bat Schmitt/Kelly: 21-18, 20-22, 21-17; Kersaudy/Rodriguez bat M. Dubois/Gaudreau: 21-17, 21-15.
Simples dames: Lassaux bat C. Dubois: 21-13, 13-21, 21-14; Gorniak bat Villard: 17-21, 21-18, 21-19.
Simples messieurs: Kehlhoffner bat Schmitt: 21-17, 21-14; Chenu bat Bourroum: 21-12, 21-16.
Doubles dames: Gaudreau/Kelly bat Crespel/Gautier: 21-13, 20-22, 21-12.
Doubles hommes: Gicquel/Kersaudy bat M. Dubois/Lamirault: 21-8, 21-13.
With this victory, Flume Ille Badminton continues to build momentum in the Top 12 league. The team will look to maintain their form as they pursue a fourth-place finish. Fans can follow the team’s progress and upcoming matches on the official Flume Ille Badminton website and social media channels.
