May was marked by several major events in the world of badminton. Competing across Asia, the champions of the 32nd Orléans Masters Badminton continue their season on the international circuit. Here’s a look back at the performances of our eight winners.
Alex Lanier continues his rise :
Our reigning men’s singles champion, however, did not start the month of May in the best possible way. He was eliminated in the second round of the Malaysia Masters (Super 500) by China’s HU Zhe An (No. 52) in three sets: 21/15, 16/21, 15/21.
The Frenchman bounced back brilliantly, winning the Singapore Open (Super 750) just a few days later. Notably, he defeated the world No. 3, Denmark’s Anders ANTONSEN, in the quarterfinals with a score of 14/21, 21/16, 21/16.
In the final, Alex LANIER (No. 9) faced local favorite LOH Kean Yew (No. 14), a former world champion backed by a raucous crowd. Trailing after the first set, the Frenchman showed remarkable mental fortitude to turn the match around and win in three sets, 17/21, 21/15, 21/14.
This victory marks his first title since his win at the Orléans Masters Badminton and his second Super 750 level title. A performance that confirms the young Frenchman’s talent and his place among the best players on the world tour.
The Asian tour continues this week with the Indonesia Open (Super 1000), where he will aim to build on this momentum.
Nozomi OKUHARA in search of consistency :
After reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Championships last April, where she lost to South Korea’s SIM Yu Jin (No. 31) with a score of 21/18, 21/11. Our women’s singles champion and former world champion, Nozomi OKUHARA (No. 12, JAPAN), had a more challenging month of May.
The Japanese player was eliminated in her opening match at the Singapore Open by Denmark’s Line CHRISTOPHERSEN (No. 17) after a close match that ended 21/23, 18/21. She will attempt to get back on the winning track this week at the Indonesia Open, where she will face India’s Unnati HOODA (No. 23) in the first round.
Sumire NAKADE and Miyu TAKAHASHI Shine in China :
Competing in the Baoji China Masters (Super 100), Sumire NAKADE and Miyu TAKAHASHI (JAPAN) had a flawless run to claim the title. They won the final against the Malaysian pair Zi Yu LOW and Noraqilah MAISARAH (No. 84) with a score of 21/13, 21/17.
Despite having recently teamed up, the two Japanese players are off to an excellent start to the 2026 season. They have won the two tournaments they have competed in together, including the Orléans Masters Badminton. This bodes very well for the rest of their journey on the international circuit.
Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE Eliminated Early in Singapore :
In mixed doubles, Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE (No. 5, FRANCE) did not have the run they had hoped for at the Singapore Open. Tipped as contenders for the later rounds, the French pair were upset in the round of 32 by the Chinese duo GAO Jia Xuan and WEI Ya Xin (CHINA) 16/21, 21/19, 25/27.
LIN Xiang Yi and HU Ke Yuan face stiff competition :
In men’s doubles, LIN Xiang Yi and HU Ke Yuan (No. 29, CHINA) have played a series of tournaments featuring several high-level matches.
The duo kicked off May at the Toyota Thailand Open (Super 500), where they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Indonesians Leo Rolly CARNANDO and Daniel MARTHIN with a score of 16/21, 13/21.
Their best result of the month came at the Malaysia Masters (Super 500), where they reached the quarterfinals. After taking revenge on the No. 20 Indonesian pair, they were subsequently stopped by the Malaysians Aaron CHIA and SOH Wooi Yik (No. 2) 15/21, 16/21.
Finally, at the Singapore Open (Super 750), the Chinese pair failed to defeat the world No. 1s, South Koreans KIM Won Ho and SEO Seung Jae, losing in two sets 16/21, 17/21.
To view the results for May, click HERE.
To follow our champions' results at the Indonesia Open, click HERE.
