With the health protocol in place, the Orléans Masters 2021 started on Tuesday 23rd March with the qualifications and the first round of the men's singles in the evening. The French players were generally successful in their matches. With notably three young French players who joined the main draw: Ophélia Casier, Thomas Fourcade and Yanis Gaudin. While the young Anna Tatranova missed her qualification by a whisker against the Bulgarian Hristomira Popovska, losing 21-18 in the third set.
After a short break, the round of 32 in the men's singles was launched.
And the first surprise of the tournament was not long in coming. Two-time tournament winner and 2019 semi-finalist Mark Caljouw from the Netherlands was beaten by Kiran George from India. A match full of suspense until the end.
Perhaps blunted by his very good All England (semi-final), Caljouw went out, as did Lucas Claerbout who was beaten by another Indian, Mithun Manjunath 21-14, 21-10.
On the other hand, no problem for the French Toma Junior Popov, Brice Leverdez and Thomas Rouxel. Just like the young Yanis Gaudin who dominated his compatriot Thomas Fourcade at the end of the programme.
See you on Tuesday at 9am for the second day of competition.
In the meantime, listen to Thomas Davin's very good podcast about this first day of the Orléans Masters.
