Top seed Mady Sow overcame a shaky start and a resilient challenge from Japan’s Daiki Masuda in the third round of the VICTOR BWF World Junior Championships 2026, rallying from a first-game deficit to secure a 12-15, 15-11, 15-11 victory.
Mady Sow Admits Vulnerability After Third Round Escape in Cairo
For a significant stretch of the third-round encounter, the French left-hander looked uncomfortably close to an early exit.
“First of all, I was shocked because I didn’t expect to lose the first game,” Sow said after closing out the match. “He played very well. So for me, my goal was to play 100 per cent every point. It was really hard for me to play today. I was scared I would lose. For the moment, it’s really good for me. And I would like to continue.”
Physical Presence and Rising Expectations for the French Top Seed
Standing at 190 centimeters at just 16 years old, Sow cuts a commanding and distinct figure on the international junior circuit. This tournament marks his second appearance at the World Junior Championships, elevating the pressure on the young athlete as he carries the top seed designation into the later rounds in Cairo.
VICTOR BWF World Junior Championships 2026MS-U19 – R6412 15 15 🇫🇷Mady SOW🏅15 11 11 🇯🇵Daiki MASUDA🕚 in 39 minutes
“I’m very happy to be here and to play a second time at the World Juniors,” Sow noted. “I’m the top seed. It’s a good challenge for me to improve my level and to show something about me and about my game. I hope I get a medal. It could be great for me and for the French team too. So I will do my best.”
Building Momentum from Continental Successes
Sow arrived at the global showcase carrying significant accolades, including the European Junior title and the Badminton Europe Young Player of the Year award.
“It’s not the same level as the World Juniors, it’s quite different,” Sow explained regarding the step up in competition. “But it’s also a good tournament with a lot of challenges. That’s why it’s good for me to play in these kind of tournaments.”
French Badminton Surge Inspires the Next Generation
France recently enjoyed a historic campaign, capturing a silver medal at the Thomas Cup alongside two gold medals at the World Championships.
“To see all these players win some medals, it’s pushed me to level up and to train a lot everyday,” Sow said. “It’s motivation. I’m very happy for Alex, it’s good for him and for the French team too. It pushes all the young players to do the same.”
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