It's official, player registrations are over ! Indeed, players wishing to participate in the Orleans Masters 2019 had until February 12th to confirm their attendance. It is therefore with pleasure that we can begin to reveal the names of the main protagonists of the final draw.
This year again, the French will be in the game. You will be able to come and encourage the recent French champions, Marie Batomène, Julien Maïo/Bastian Kersaudy, Delphine Delrue/Léa Palermo and Delphine Delrue/Thom Gicquel.
Will 2019 be the year of a first French victory at the Orleans Masters ?
Answer on March 24th !
Mixed doubles draw :
Concerning the Mixed Doubles draw. The English Lauren Smith and Marcus Ellis (see picture), currently ranked 10th in the world, will be the big favorites in the discipline. However, they will have to watch out for the Germans I. Herttrich and M. Lamsfuss, 18th in the world and winners in Orleans in 2017, and their compatriots L. Efler and M. Seidel, 22nd in the world.
Women's draws :
As for the Women's Doubles, the Orleans public will obviously be keen to support Léa Palermo and Delphine Delrue. The three-time French finalists of the Orleans Masters are expected. But the French champions will have their work cut out for them as the Japanese pairs Araki / Imai and Shida / Matsuyama (13th in the world) are determined to add a title to their list of achievements..
In the women's singles, Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour, winner in Orleans in 2017, will be the favourite. She will be closely followed by Japan's Saena Kawakami, ranked 33rd in the world, and Ayumi Mine, ranked 36th in the world, who do not play much in Europe, will be closely watched !
Men's draws :
The men's doubles draw is probably the one that will offer us the best show. Englishmen Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge, Olympic bronze medallists, will be the number one seeds. They will face Chinese Taipei players Wang Chi-Lin and Yang Lee. Even if they are not used to playing together, these two players, respectively number 4 and 15 in the world with their usual partners, should delight the spectators at the Palais des Sports. The defending champions Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel will also be in attendance.
Finally, in the men's singles, the Orleans Masters will have the chance to welcome the great Danish star. Hans-Kristian Vittinghus, 8th in the world in 2015 and European bronze medallist in 2017. Seeded n°1, the Dane will have for main opponents, the two-time defending champion Mark Caljouw, the Japanese Yu Igarashi as well as the French vice-champion Lucas Corvée. The very young Thai Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the reigning Junior World Champion, could also cause some surprises !
