Gicquel-Delrue Create History as France Win First Badminton World Title

Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue produced a performance for the ages on Sunday, becoming France's first-ever badminton World Champions after a thrilling victory over world No. 1 pair Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping in the mixed doubles final.

The fifth-seeded French duo overcame the formidable Chinese pair 22-20, 19-21, 21-15 in an absorbing contest that lasted one hour and 18 minutes, sealing the biggest title of their careers and a landmark moment for French badminton.

Having won bronze at the previous edition of the World Championships, Gicquel and Delrue arrived with growing confidence after an impressive season. They had finished runners-up at the All England Championships and reached the semifinals of both the Indonesia Super 1000 and China Super 1000, but Sunday represented the defining moment of their journey.

Against the world's top-ranked pair, the French duo displayed remarkable composure and tactical discipline. Their control at the net proved particularly decisive as they successfully limited the influence of Huang, one of the key attacking forces in the Chinese partnership.

After edging a tense opening game, Gicquel and Delrue were pushed back when Feng and Huang levelled the match. But the French pair refused to lose their nerve. They raised their intensity in the deciding game, combining sharp net play with controlled attacking badminton to pull away and complete a famous triumph.

Their victory marks a historic breakthrough for France, a country that had never before produced a badminton World Champion.

And the celebrations may not be over yet. Alex Lanier, the ninth seed, is also on the verge of creating history as he prepares to face Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the men's singles final. A victory would make Lanier the first Frenchman to win the men's singles world title, potentially turning the championships into an unforgettable chapter for French badminton.