Orléans, France – Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France secured the mixed doubles title at the 2026 Orléans Masters Badminton tournament on Sunday, March 22nd, defeating Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje in straight sets. The victory marks another significant achievement for the French pair, currently ranked 5th in the world and underscores their consistent performance on the international stage.
The final, held at the Palais des Sports in Orléans, saw Gicquel and Delrue overcome a closely contested first set to ultimately triumph 21-19, 21-13. This win adds to their growing list of accolades, including a previous Orléans Masters title in 2019. The tournament, a Super 300 event, featured a total prize pool of $240,000.
French Duo Overpower Danes in Decisive Victory
The opening game proved to be a tight affair, with both pairs trading rallies and demonstrating strong defensive skills. However, Gicquel and Delrue managed to gain the upper hand in the crucial moments, closing out the first set 21-19. According to Gicquel, a key objective for the team was to build on recent successes. “It was our goal to be able to string together such performances. Before this tournament, every time we reached a final or won, we would lose in the first or second round afterward,” he stated.
The second set witnessed a shift in momentum as the French duo quickly established control. They dictated the pace of the game, showcasing their attacking prowess and solidifying their lead to secure a decisive 21-13 victory. The Palais des Sports crowd enthusiastically supported their home favorites, contributing to the electric atmosphere.
Building on Recent Successes
This Orléans Masters triumph comes on the heels of a strong showing at the All England Open, where Gicquel and Delrue reached the final a couple of weeks prior. Their recent success also includes a historic win at the Indonesia Open in June, making them the first French pair to claim a Super 1000 title. This consistent climb in the rankings reflects their dedication and growing confidence on the world tour.
Gicquel and Delrue have demonstrated a tactical maturity that sets them apart. Facing Christiansen and Boje, a pair that had previously defeated them twice in late 2025, the French duo presented a more resilient and strategic approach. “We were good today compared to what we had done against them before,” Gicquel explained. “We had beaten them in Japan, but they weren’t at their best. Today, they were better, but we posed more problems for them. They had fewer solutions than usual.”
Looking Ahead: European Championships on the Horizon
With the Orléans Masters title secured, Gicquel and Delrue are now turning their attention to the upcoming European Championships, scheduled to take place in Huelva, Spain, from April 6th to 12th. They will undoubtedly be among the favorites at the tournament, and a potential rematch against Christiansen and Boje looms large. If form holds, the Danish pair could once again be their final obstacle on the path to the championship title.
The 2026 Orléans Masters also saw success for other players. Alex Lanier successfully defended his men’s singles title, even as Nozomi Okuhara claimed the women’s singles crown. In men’s doubles, Hu Keyuan and Lin Xiangyi emerged victorious, and Sumire Nakade and Miyu Takahashi won the women’s doubles title.
The French pair’s victory in Orléans is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and growing synergy as a team. Their ability to perform under pressure and adapt their tactics has established them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of badminton. Fans can follow their progress and future competitions through official BWF updates and team social media channels.
Next up: Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue will prepare for the European Championships in Huelva, Spain, beginning April 6th.
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