Gicquel and Delrue Advance to Orleans Masters Final

Orléans, France – French duo Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue are one step closer to claiming the title at the Orleans Masters, securing their place in Sunday’s final after a hard-fought victory in Saturday’s semi-final. The pair, recent finalists at the prestigious All England Open, overcame a determined challenge from Taiwan’s Liu Kuang-Heng and Jheng Yu-Chieh in a three-game thriller.

The top-seeded French pair found themselves pushed to the limit by Liu and Jheng, ultimately prevailing 18-21, 21-18, 21-16. The match, played in front of a supportive home crowd at the Palais des Sports d’Orléans, showcased the resilience of Gicquel and Delrue, who had to overcome a slow start to secure the win. This tournament, a Super 300 event on the BWF World Tour, represents a significant opportunity for the French team to add another title to their growing list of accomplishments.

Gicquel and Delrue initially struggled to find their rhythm, dropping the first game despite a promising start where they led 18-17. They lost four consecutive points, forcing them to regroup and adjust their strategy. Encouraged by the enthusiastic support of the local fans, the French pair battled back in the second game, securing a narrow victory before demonstrating greater consistency in the decisive third game. This victory is particularly notable as Liu and Jheng had eliminated them in the first round of last year’s tournament.

The Orleans Masters holds special significance for Gicquel and Delrue, as they previously won the title in 2019. They now have the chance to repeat that success and claim their second championship at this event. Their opponents in the final will be either Denmark’s Christiansen/Boje, the No. 2 seeds and 2021 champions, or Spain’s Garcia/Rodriguez. The final promises to be a compelling contest, pitting two of the top doubles teams in the world against each other.

Thom Gicquel, born in 1999, has quickly risen through the ranks of international badminton, currently ranked No. 5 in the world in mixed doubles with Delphine Delrue as of March 3, 2026, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Gicquel’s career has been marked by consistent improvement and a series of impressive results, including a silver medal at the 2022 European Championships and a gold medal at the 2024 European Championships alongside Delrue. He similarly secured gold medals at the 2017 European Junior Championships in both the mixed team and boys’ doubles events.

The French team’s success at the Orleans Masters isn’t limited to the mixed doubles event. Alex Lanier and Toma Junior Popov also have the opportunity to qualify for their respective finals on Saturday evening, adding to the excitement for the home crowd. The matches are being streamed live on L’Équipe, allowing fans across France and around the world to follow the action.

This tournament represents a key stepping stone for Gicquel and Delrue as they continue to prepare for major international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Their performance at the Orleans Masters demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure and their potential to achieve even greater success in the future. The pair’s ability to overcome adversity, as evidenced by their comeback win against Liu and Jheng, highlights their mental fortitude and determination.

For Gicquel and Delrue, Sunday’s final is more than just a chance to win another title; it’s an opportunity to solidify their position as one of the leading mixed doubles teams in the world and to continue building momentum as they look ahead to the challenges that lie ahead. The match is scheduled to be streamed live on L’Équipe, offering fans a chance to witness a potentially historic moment for French badminton.

What’s Next: Gicquel and Delrue will face either Christiansen/Boje or Garcia/Rodriguez in the Orleans Masters final on Sunday. The match time will be announced following the completion of the other semi-final.

Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the Orleans Masters and all the latest news from the world of badminton.