French Duo Gicquel and Delrue Reach Orleans Masters Final
Orléans, France – 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 over Taiwan’s Liu Kuang Heng and Jheng Yu Tzu. The French pair overcame a slow start to defeat their opponents 18-21, 21-18, 21-16 in a match that showcased their resilience and determination.
The win marks another significant achievement for the French badminton duo, building on their success at the Indonesia Open in 2025, where they secured their first Super 1000 title. That victory was a landmark moment for French badminton, and this performance at the Orleans Masters demonstrates their continued upward trajectory on the world stage.
A Comeback Victory in Orléans
Gicquel acknowledged a shaky beginning to the match, stating, “I think I had the cart in front of the horse to start. We had a long waiting period,” before adding with a smile, “But we came back well. We were playing well. They were as well playing well, we could have been frustrated but we stayed calm. In the third, we continued to perform hard.” Their ability to regain composure after dropping the first game proved crucial to their success.
The Orleans Masters is a HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 event, attracting top talent from across the globe. The tournament provides valuable ranking points and serves as a key preparation event for upcoming major championships. The atmosphere in Orléans has been electric, with enthusiastic crowds supporting the home favorites.
All-French Final in Men’s Singles
The excitement doesn’t stop with Gicquel and Delrue. The tournament will also feature an all-French final in the men’s singles competition, a remarkable achievement for French badminton. Alex Lanier advanced to the final after a dominant performance against Japan’s Kenta Okimoto, winning in straight sets 21-14, 21-12. He will face off against Toma Junior Povov, who also secured a straight-set victory over China’s Hu, with a score of 21-16, 21-14.
Lanier’s victory was particularly impressive, showcasing his attacking prowess and strategic court coverage. Povov, meanwhile, demonstrated his consistency and ability to capitalize on his opponent’s errors. The all-French final promises a thrilling contest between two of the nation’s rising stars.
Looking Ahead to the Final
In the mixed doubles final, Gicquel and Delrue will face the Danish pair of Mathias Christensen and Alexandra Boje, who defeated a Spanish duo (Garcia and Rodriguez) in three sets. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 13:30 local time (11:30 UTC). Christensen and Boje will present a formidable challenge, known for their aggressive play and strong net game.
The French duo will need to maintain their composure and execute their game plan effectively to overcome the Danes. Their ability to control the net and utilize Gicquel’s powerful smashes will be key to their success. The Orleans Masters final represents a significant opportunity for Gicquel and Delrue to add another prestigious title to their growing list of accomplishments.
The all-French men’s singles final is also set for Sunday, promising a captivating showdown between Lanier and Povov. The match will be a testament to the growing strength of French badminton and a source of national pride.
Fans can follow the Orleans Masters action and receive official updates through the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website and social media channels. The tournament continues to captivate audiences with its high-level competition and exciting matches.
What do you think? Will Gicquel and Delrue take home the title, or will the Danish pair prove too strong? Share your predictions in the comments below!
