At the 2026 BWF World Championships in Paris, French mixed doubles pair Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue advanced to the final by defeating China’s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin 2-1 in the semifinals on Friday, August 22, 2026. According to tournament reports, the French duo secured the victory in a hard-fought three-game battle on home soil, bringing an end to Jiang and Wei’s championship run in the final four.
For Jiang and Wei, the defeat marks a disappointing conclusion to a promising tournament campaign. As one of the consistent pairs on the international circuit, the Chinese duo entered the match with high expectations but ultimately fell short against a determined French pairing backed by a vocal local crowd at the venue. Gicquel and Delrue capitalized on their opportunities in the decisive third game, neutralizing Jiang’s aggressive smashes and maintaining composure through extended rallies.
The semifinal clash highlighted the evolving landscape of international mixed doubles competition. While Jiang and Wei exhibited moments of their trademark speed and court coverage, unforced errors in crucial stretches of the second and third games disrupted their rhythm. Gicquel and Delrue exploited these tactical openings, varying their pace and utilizing sharp net play to keep their opponents on the defensive.
With this result, Gicquel and Delrue move forward to contest the mixed doubles title match at the world championships. Meanwhile, Jiang and Wei exit the tournament at the semifinal stage, taking home a bronze medal finish and valuable ranking points as the international badminton season continues.
Fans and followers can track further updates, match schedules, and official results through the Badminton World Federation official portal as the tournament concludes its final matches.
