Orléans, France – Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue 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, 21-19, 21-13. The victory marks the second time the French pair have triumphed at this Super 300 event, having previously won in 2019.
The French duo, currently ranked 5th in the world, demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess throughout the tournament, culminating in a commanding performance in the final. This win comes on the heels of a strong showing at the All England Open earlier this month, where they reached the final.
“It was our goal to be able to string together performances like this,” Gicquel said, according to reports. “Before this tournament, every time we reached a final or won, we would lose in the first or second round afterward.”
A Tight First Set Gives Way to French Dominance
The opening game proved to be a closely contested affair, with both pairs trading points and displaying impressive shot-making. Gicquel and Delrue gradually gained the upper hand, utilizing a combination of aggressive net play and strategic shot placement to create opportunities. They closed out the first set 21-19, showcasing their composure under pressure.
The second set saw a significant shift in momentum as the French pair quickly established control. They built a substantial lead, capitalizing on errors from the Danish duo and dictating the pace of the rallies. The Palais des Sports crowd in Orléans provided a fervent atmosphere, spurring Gicquel and Delrue to a decisive 21-13 victory.
Gicquel and Delrue had previously faced Christiansen and Boje twice in the latter part of 2025, losing both encounters. Yet, they demonstrated a marked improvement in their tactical approach this time around, posing more problems for their opponents and forcing them into challenging situations. “We were great today compared to what we had done against them before,” Gicquel noted. “We had beaten them in Japan, but they weren’t great. Today, they were better, but we posed more problems for them. They had fewer solutions than usual.”
French Badminton Continues to Shine
This victory underscores the growing strength of French badminton on the international stage. Alongside Gicquel and Delrue’s success, Alex Lanier defended his men’s singles title at the Orléans Masters, and Nozomi Okuhara claimed the women’s singles crown. The tournament, held at the Palais des Sports from March 17th to 22nd, featured a total prize pool of $240,000.
The Orléans Masters is a Super 300 event on the BWF World Tour, serving as an important stepping stone for players aiming to compete at the highest level. The tournament has been held annually since 2012 and continues to attract top talent from around the globe.
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 to contend for the title, and a potential rematch against Christiansen and Bøje looms large. If form holds, the Danish pair could once again be their final obstacle on the path to European glory.
The consistent performance of Gicquel and Delrue is a positive sign for French badminton as they continue to build momentum heading into major international competitions. Their ability to bounce back from recent setbacks and deliver under pressure demonstrates their mental fortitude and commitment to excellence.
The pair’s success in Orléans will undoubtedly provide a boost of confidence as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Fans can follow their progress and stay updated on their schedule through official BWF channels and the French Badminton Federation website.
