France on the roof of the world in New Delhi
A historic double for the Blues!
There were 10 players who made the trip to India for these Worlds. For seven days, les Bleus gave their all to return to France with two titles, a first in the history of French badminton.
Bronze medalist at the last World Championships in Paris in 2025, the French mixed doubles Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE (no.) had set their sights on winning another medal this edition. Mission accomplished after an exemplary journey! After beating the Chinese pair Jiang/Wei (No. 2) in the semi-finals, the Blues went for gold against the world number 1 Chinese, FENG Yan Zhe and HUANG Dong Ping by winning 22/20 19/21 21/15. Thom and Delphine thus offer the French badminton the very first world title in its history. The duo will be back in action in October at the Yonex Internationaux de France and is looking to shine at home.
Alex LANIER (no. 10) follows in the footsteps of his compatriots and also takes the supreme title as a simple man. At just 21 years old, he is the first Frenchman to be crowned World Champion in men’s singles. Author of a flawless run, eliminating the Thai Kunlavut VITIDSARN (no. 2), in quarters in 3 sets: 19/21 21/16 21/16 then the Canadian Victor LAI (no. 7) in half 16/21 21/13 21/14. He then flew over the final by dominating the Japanese Kodai NARAOKA (n°11) in two sets 21/11, 21/11. A great momentum that promises for the next Yonex IFB.
The other crowned heads
In women’s singles, the Korean AN Se Young, world number 1, perfectly assumed her status by dominating the reigning World Champion, Japanese Akane YAMAGUCHI (n°2) in the final, with a score of 21/17 21/14. She thus offers herself a new world crown, the second to her credit, after an impressive run, without losing any set in this competition.
Korea won a second title with the duo BAEK Ha Na/LEE So Hee (n°3) in women’s doubles. The Korean pair beat in the final in two sets the Chinese favorites LIU Sheng Shu/TAN Ning (n°1) 21/15 21/15.
As for the men’s doubles, it is the Chinese pair LIANG Wei Keng/WANG Chang (no.) who climbs to the top of the podium by beating in two sets the Malaysians Aaron CHIA/SOH Wooi Yik (no.) 21/17 21/16.
The level displayed in New Delhi by all the best players in the world promises an exceptional show for the next Yonex IFB. They will be to follow closely on the courts of the Arena Grand Paris!