Indeed, Brice Leverdez could not do anything against the Chinese legend Lin Dan. (21/12 21/9) The French player did not have his usual energy. The experience of the double Olympic champion made the difference. He too could not cope with the Danish giant Viktor Axelsen, Thomas Rouxel lost 21/9 21/6. The step was too high and we note that only 3 Europeans are still on the list in men's singles in the 8th finals.
Respectively finalists of the 2019 and 2018 editions of the Orléans tournament, Kirsty Gilmour and Mia Blichfeldt did not enjoy the same success at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium. They both lost in the first rounds in three sets.
Even if they didn't need much, the finalists of the Orléans Masters 2018, Lamsfuss & Seidel fell in the first round against the Chinese Han & Zhou. (21/17 18/21 21/16). On the other hand, Lee & Wang, winners of the OM 2019, came out as winners of the Taiwanese duel. They thus advance to the second round of the Super 750.
Woman side :
The French players Emilie Lefel & Anne Tran, supported by their public, are imperial. They win in two sets against the Russians Bolotova & Davletova. (21/12 21/19). They will have a lot to do in the next rounds. The world number one Japanese players are waiting for them after having defeated Chloe Birch & Lauren Smith (OM 2019 winners)! In a remake of the Orleans Masters 2019 quarter-final, Delphine Delrue & Léa Palermo lost to the Taiwanese Hu & Hsu in three sets. (21/11 22/24 21/12). It was disappointing because the French players were equal until 7-6 in the third set and the whole audience believed it ! The Bulgarian Stoeva sisters, well known to the Orleans public, will play in the 8th finals.
We were all hoping that they would be capable of a new exploit. But even if they pushed their limits, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue lost to the world number 2. (21/15 21/16). A small consolation, as the Europeans were present in the mixed doubles ! Just like the English B. Lane (also qualified in men's doubles with S. Vendy) & Pugh, as well as the Dutch Tableing & Piek and the Germans Lamsfuss & Herttrich reach the second round of the Parisian tournament.
