Lanier becomes first Frenchman to reach men's singles final at Worlds
KUALA LUMPUR: Alex Lanier became the first French badminton player to reach a World Championships men's singles final after defeating Canada's Victor Lai in New Delhi on Saturday.
Alex Lanier made history as the first French badminton player to reach a World Championships men's singles final after defeating Victor Lai of Canada in New Delhi on Saturday. The world No. 10 defeated world No. 7 Victor in a thrilling three-set match at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, winning 16-21, 21-13, 21-14. Lanier had already achieved a significant milestone by reaching the last four in men's singles, further showcasing the rapid growth of French badminton in recent years.
Both Lanier and Victor emphasized their preparation and determination throughout the match, with Lanier expressing his enjoyment and focus on pushing forward. This victory added to Lanier's growing list of accomplishments, including winning the 2024 Japan Open and becoming the youngest European champion at age 20 last year. France also achieved success in the mixed doubles category, with Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue becoming the first French player to reach a World Championships final.
Victor Lai, despite his defeat, secured a historic medal for Canada, making him the first Canadian to win a World Championships medal.
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