Alex Lanier became the first French player to win the Denmark Open on Sunday, October 18, 2026, defeating world number two Anders Antonsen in a three-game final. The 21-year-old from Caen secured a 21-15, 13-21, 21-13 victory against the local favorite to capture his second Super 750 title of the season, cementing a breakthrough year that also includes a world singles championship.
How Alex Lanier Overcame Anders Antonsen in Odense
Facing the Danish contender in hostile territory, Lanier dictated the early exchanges with sharp attacking pressure. The French player established the match’s biggest lead at 7-4 in the deciding third game by keeping his game simple while Antonsen forced errors in length. Antonsen rallied to tie the final set at 10-10 before the mid-game interval, but Lanier regained control through precise net play and aggressive cross-court attacks. The 21-year-old ultimately pulled away to seal the decisive game 21-13, converting his second Super 750 crown of the 2026 circuit.
The Ranking Stakes and Path to the Final
The championship match carried massive ranking implications for both competitors. A victory would have elevated Anders Antonsen to the world number one ranking for the first time in his career. Instead, the defeat left the Danish star short of the top spot. To reach the final, Lanier navigated a demanding week that included a straight-games opening win over China’s Hu Zhe An (21-18, 21-13), a three-game comeback against India’s Kidambi Srikanth (11-21, 21-15, 21-15), and straight-set victories against top-ten opponents Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei (21-16, 21-12) and Canada’s Victor Lai (21-19, 21-10).
What This Title Means for French Badminton History
Lanier’s triumph in Denmark adds to a historic 2026 campaign for French badminton. The player reached the peak of his career in August by claiming France’s first individual world title. The latest victory in Odense marks his second Super 750 title of the season—equivalent to a tennis Masters 1000 event—following his breakthrough at the Japan Open 784 days prior. French players continue to make waves on the BWF World Tour, with Christo Popov having secured a Super 750 title at the Japan Open in 2025 and Lanier himself capturing the Singapore Open earlier in 2026.
The Quick Turnaround at the French Open
With the Denmark Open trophy secured, Lanier returns to competition immediately. The player will head back to France for the upcoming French Open, another prestigious Super 750 event on the international calendar.
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