The Badminton World Championships lived up to every expectation this summer, and the winners of the Orléans Masters Badminton shone brightly throughout. Between world titles, gutsy runs and strong showings on the international circuit, here's a look back at our champions' summer performances.
Alex LANIER crowned world champion!
In men's singles, Alex LANIER (No. 8, France) delivered the performance of the summer by claiming the world title. The Frenchman first had to fight his way past Thailand's Kunlavut VITIDSARN (No. 3) in the quarter-finals, coming through a rollercoaster match 19/21, 21/16, 21/16.
In the semi-final, Alex faced Canada's Victor LAI (No. 9). After dropping the opening game, the Frenchman raised his level to turn the match around and book his place in the final, winning 16/21, 21/13, 21/14.
A date with history then awaited Alex Lanier against Japan's Kodai NARAOKA (No. 7). Unstoppable, the Frenchman produced a top-class final performance, winning in straight games, 21/11, 21/11, to seal the world crown.
An early exit for Nozomi OKUHARA
In women's singles, Nozomi OKUHARA (No. 10, Japan) got her campaign off to a perfect start, beating Taiwan's LIN Hsiang Ti (No. 19) in two games, 21/11, 21/16.
Having qualified for the quarter-finals, the Japanese player was unfortunately forced to withdraw, still feeling the effects of a recent knee operation. A frustrating end for the Orléans Masters champion, whose run had looked full of promise.
HU Ke Yuan and LIN Xiang Yi stopped in the quarter-finals
In men's doubles, HU Ke Yuan and LIN Xiang Yi (No. 22, China) put together a solid tournament. The Chinese pair first got the better of compatriots CHEN Bo Yang and LIU Yi (No. 10) in two controlled games, 21/18, 21/18.
In the next round, the pair produced a gritty win over Denmark's Daniel LUNDGAARD and Mads VESTERGAARD (No. 13), prevailing in three games, 21/14, 16/21, 21/16, to reach the quarter-finals.
Their run ultimately came to an end against Malaysia's Aaron CHIA and SOH Wooi Yik (No. 4), who beat them in two games, 21/11, 21/17, right at the doors of the semi-finals.
Miyu TAKAHASHI and Sumire NAKADE claim a 5th title in 2026
Absent from the World Championships, Miyu TAKAHASHI and Sumire NAKADE (No. 29, Japan) nonetheless kept up their excellent season. The Japanese pair were instead in action at the LI-NING China Masters (Super 750), where they claimed another title, beating the Chinese pairing of BAO Li Jing and Zi Han CAO in two games, 21/18, 21/18.
That makes it a fifth tournament win of the year for the duo, further proof of their outstanding form since their triumph at the Orléans Masters Badminton.
Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE, world champions!
In mixed doubles, Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE (No. 4, France) also reached the top of the world. The French pair booked their place in the final by beating China's JIANG Zhen Bang and WEI Ya Xin (No. 3) in a three-game battle, 19/21, 21/13, 21/11.
In the final, the French duo faced top seeds, China's FENG Yan Zhe and HUANG Dong Ping. In an extremely tight contest, Thom and Delphine came out on top in three games, 22/20, 19/21, 21/15, to claim the world title.
A truly exceptional summer for the colours of the Orléans Masters Badminton, with two world titles and several outstanding runs to look back on. A momentum that promises great performances at the next edition of the tournament.
To check out the results of the World Championships, click HERE.
Don't hesitate to follow us on social media for more news on the Orléans Masters Champions: Facebook / Instagram
