BIRMINGHAM, England – Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue are continuing a remarkable run at the All England Open, securing a spot in the semifinals on Friday with a decisive victory over China’s Jiang and Wei, the world No. 2 ranked pair, 21-16, 21-16. The French duo has yet to drop a set throughout the tournament, demonstrating their dominance in the Super 1000 event – one of the five most prestigious tournaments on the badminton calendar.
Gicquel, originally from Tours, France and Delrue’s success comes as no surprise to those following their trajectory. This tournament, held in Birmingham, represents a significant opportunity for the pair to add another major title to their growing list of accomplishments. The match concluded with a spectacular point at the net from Gicquel, eliciting cheers from the French contingent in attendance.
This isn’t the first time the pair has excelled on the international stage. They previously secured a Super 1000 title last year in Indonesia, and are now just two wins away from replicating that success. Their consistency and composure have been key to their performance thus far.
The All England Open holds a special place in the world of badminton, often considered the most prestigious tournament of the year. For players, winning here carries significant weight and prestige. The Super 1000 designation signifies the high level of competition and the substantial ranking points at stake.
Gicquel and Delrue’s journey to the semifinals hasn’t been without its challenges, but they’ve navigated each match with precision and strategic play. Their ability to anticipate their opponents’ moves and capitalize on opportunities has been instrumental in their success. The pair’s synergy on the court is evident, showcasing a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
The French duo will face the winners of the match between Indonesia’s Syahnawi/Marwah and China’s Guo/Chen (ranked No. 6) in Saturday’s semifinal. That quarterfinal match was still in progress at the time of this report. The outcome will determine who Gicquel and Delrue will battle for a place in the final.
Thom Gicquel’s badminton career has been on a steady upward trajectory. As of December 30, 2025, he and Delphine Delrue are ranked No. 5 in the world in mixed doubles, a testament to their dedication and hard work. He previously reached a career-high ranking of No. 5 in mixed doubles on January 3, 2023. Gicquel also achieved a ranking of No. 50 in men’s doubles with Ronan Labar on October 25, 2018.
Beyond their recent successes, Gicquel has a strong track record of achievements. He secured gold medals at the 2017 European Junior Championships in both the mixed team and boys’ doubles events. He also won a men’s doubles gold medal at the 2018 Mediterranean Games, signaling his potential on the senior circuit. He has also claimed multiple European Championship medals, including gold in 2024, silver in 2022, and bronze in 2019 and 2025.
The 27-year-aged Gicquel, born January 12, 1999, stands at 6’1” (1.86m) and weighs 179 lbs (81 kg). He competes right-handed and represents France in international competitions. His dedication to the sport is evident in his consistent performance and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The All England Open continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected upsets. With Gicquel and Delrue’s impressive form, they are undoubtedly contenders for the title. Fans can seem forward to an exciting semifinal clash as they aim to continue their winning streak and secure a place in the final.
The semifinal match is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th. Further details regarding broadcast times and streaming options will be available on the Badminton England website and L’Équipe live.
