Author: Clément JUBAU
This Saturday, the semifinals of the Orléans Badminton Masters put on another spectacular show at the Palais des Sports Jean Ros. After a day packed with hard-fought matches, the final matchups for this 32nd edition have been set, with some impressive performances by French players.
It was an excellent day for the French players in the men’s singles draw. Alex LANIER defeated Japan’s Yudai OKIMOTO in two sets, 21-14, 21-12. In the other semifinal, Toma Junior POPOV also secured his spot in the final after defeating China’s HU Zhe An 21-16, 21-14. An all-French final thus awaits the Orléans crowd this Sunday.
In mixed doubles, the French pair Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE continue their strong run in the tournament. Facing LIU Kuang Heng and JHENG Yu Chieh (Chinese Taipei), the French duo prevailed in a three-set match 18-21, 21-18, 21-16. They will face the Danish duo Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje in the final, who defeated the Spanish pair Ruben Garcia and Lucia Rodriguez 18-21, 21-14, 21-14.
In the women’s singles draw, former world No. 1 Nozomi OKUHARA advanced to the final after defeating India’s Tanvi SHARMA 21-9, 21-16. She will face Thailand’s Pitchamon OPATNIPUTH, who defeated India’s Isharani Baruah 21-12, 23-21.
In men's doubles, the Chinese pair HU Ke Yuan / LIN Xiang Yi defeated the Indonesians Leo Rolly CARNANDO / Bagas MAULANA 21-19, 21-10.
They will face the Japanese duo Hiroki OKAMURA / Kyohei YAMASHITA in the final, who defeated the Danish pair Christian Faust KJAER / Rasmus KJAER 21-18, 21-19.
In the women’s doubles draw, the Japanese pair Sumire NAKADE / Miyu TAKAHASHI defeated the Indonesians Rachel Allessya ROSE / Febi SETIANINGRUM 21-10, 22-20.
In the other semifinal, Chinese Taipei’s LIN Chih-Chun / YANG Chu Yun edged out Japan’s Rui HIROKAMI / Sayaka HOBARA after a hard-fought match 17-21, 21-19, 21-18.
To view all the results from Friday, March 20, click HERE.
Friday, March 20, was dedicated to the quarterfinals of the Orléans Masters Badminton. This decisive stage of the competition featured closely contested matches and an ever-rising level of play, with the Palais des Sports once again living up to expectations.
In the men’s singles draw, the French players rose to the occasion. Toma Junior POPOV defeated DONG Tian Yao (China) after a hard-fought first set, 22-20, 21-13.
For his part, Alex LANIER delivered a solid performance to defeat SU Li Yang (Chinese Taipei) 21-14, 21-15 and secure his spot in the semifinals as well.
There was also a strong performance in mixed doubles, with the French pair Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE advancing. Facing the Chinese duo CHENG Xing and ZHANG Chi, the French pair prevailed in a three-set match, 21-9, 21-23, 21-17.
In the women’s doubles draw, the French pair Margot LAMBERT and Camille POGNANTE fell short after a closely contested match against the Taiwanese duo LIN Chih-Chun and YANG Chu Yun, 24-22, 14-21, 21-13.
Following today’s action, the semifinal lineup is now set. Several French players will be in action this Saturday, aiming to continue their run in the competition and move closer to a spot in the final.
The weekend promises to be decisive in Orléans.
To view all the results from Friday, March 20, click HERE.
Link to our ticket office for the 2026 edition, click HERE
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.
Alex LANIER and the French national team are European champions!
For the first time in its history, the French men's team won the European Championship title on Sunday, February 15, after a tense final against defending champions Denmark.
In a highly anticipated match, the French won 3-2. Alex LANIER (No. 8 and winner of the 2025 Orleans Masters in men's singles) delivered a perfectly controlled performance against Rasmus GEMKE (No. 23). Solid and focused, the Frenchman won in two sets, 21-16, 21-16, allowing France to tie the score before going on to win the gold medal.
This historic team success marks a turning point for French badminton on the European stage.
Denmark wins silver in the women's competition:
Like their male counterparts, the Danish women, who were favorites to win the competition, also lost in the final to Bulgaria 3-1 and took home the silver medal.
Amalie MAGELUND (No. 12 and winner of the 2025 Orleans Masters in mixed doubles) was part of the team. The young Dane, initially paired with Jesper TOFT (No. 12), competed alongside her compatriot Amalie Cecilie KUDSK (No. 30 in mixed doubles).
On February 8, the Asian Team Championships were also held on the Asian continent, featuring some very high-level matches:
South Korea crowned women's champions:
The South Korean women's team, led by AN Se Young (No. 1 in women's singles) and KIM Hye Jeong (No. 5 in women's doubles), won 3-0 against China.
This solid performance confirms Korea's dominance on the Asian women's circuit.
On the men's side, South Korea and KI Dong Ju (No. 16), winner of the 2025 Orleans Masters in men's doubles, lost in the semifinals to China 3-2 after an extremely close match.
To view the results of the European Team Championships, click HERE.
To view the results of the Asia Team Championships, click HERE.
Link to our ticket office for the 2026 edition, click HERE.
