Our men's singles champion at the 31st Orleans Masters Badminton tournament continues to make history. Alex LANIER (No. 8) won the French Championship title for the second year in a row on Sunday, February 8, 2026, confirming his consistency at the highest level.
The tone was set right from the semifinals. Facing Toma Junior POPOV (No. 17), two-time winner of the Orleans Masters (2021, 2022), Alex delivered an impressive performance, winning by a decisive score of 21/8, 21/8. It was a demonstration of mastery and authority against a formidable opponent.
The next day, in the final, he confirmed this momentum against world No. 7 Christo POPOV, at the end of a perfectly controlled match. Solid and dominant, he won in two sets 21/15, 21/12, leaving his opponent few opportunities.
This victory is particularly special for the 21-year-old badminton player. Originally from Dives-sur-Mer in Calvados, he won this title “at home” at the Palais des Sports in Caen, cheered on by his home crowd. It was an emotional moment and a well-deserved reward for a player who is constantly improving and confirming his status among the world's elite.
To view the winners of previous editions of the Orléans Masters Badminton tournament, click HERE.
Link to our ticket office for the 2026 edition, click HERE.
