Saint-Jacques secured a crucial victory over Badminton Arnage/Mulsanne (BAM) in a highly anticipated match between the top two teams in their pool. The win, achieved on their home court, saw Saint-Jacques capitalize on key moments throughout a tense and competitive encounter.
The match began strongly for BAM, with the pair Lepourreau-Basco and Vitrai claiming a solid two-set victory. However, the momentum shifted as the duo of Lemonnier and Rigot narrowly missed out on a win, falling just short in a third set that went to 21-20 – a pivotal turning point in the match.
Saint-Jacques then took control, winning both singles matches in straight sets. Reichert overcame Féty (N2) despite a strong challenge, while the young Joosen, a member of the French national training center, defeated BAM’s captain, Lepourreau-Basco.
Between Disappointment and Optimism
BAM fought back to reduce the deficit to 3-2, thanks to a comeback victory from Boilet, who recovered after losing the first set to win the subsequent two. Moine came close to leveling the score but ultimately lost a hard-fought singles match 21-19.
In the final rotation, the pair Le Meur and Rigot lost in three sets. The duo of Lemonnier and Vitrai, after a disastrous first set (21-3), showed improved form in the second but were unable to force a deciding third set.
David Bessière, the president of Arnage, expressed a mix of disappointment and optimism after the match. “The crowd played their part in supporting the team during crucial moments,” he said. “It’s a shame not to bring back at least a bonus point, but the level of play is encouraging ahead of the final match of the season.”
Results
Mixed Doubles 2: Casier/Bertin – Vitrai/Lepourreau-Basco: 14-21, 13-21.
Mixed Doubles 1: Kosior/Caffiers – Lemonnier/Rigot: 21-17, 12-21, 23-21.
Men’s Singles 1: Reichert – Féty: 21-19, 21-18.
Women’s Singles 2: Joosen – Lepourreau-Basco: 21-16, 21-18.
Men’s Singles 2: Clotault – Boilet: 21-14, 13-21, 14-21.
Women’s Singles 1: Caffiers – Moine: 19-21, 21-14, 21-19.
Women’s Doubles 1: Boston/Joosen – Le Meur/Rigot: 21-16, 19-21, 21-16.
Men’s Doubles 1: Casier/Reichert – Lemonnier/Vitrai: 21-3, 23-21.
The result leaves Saint-Jacques in a strong position as the season nears its conclusion. BAM will be looking to regroup and finish the season strongly, while Saint-Jacques will aim to maintain their momentum. The next match for both teams will be critical as they vie for top honors in the league.
Badminton fans can stay updated on the league standings and future matches through official league channels. The intensity of this match demonstrates the high level of competition within the league and sets the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
