Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Denmark, May 2: The Thomas Cup witnessed a historic breakthrough as France national badminton team stormed into the semifinals for the first time, while hosts Denmark national badminton team ensured a rare double European presence in the final four.
France delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Japan national badminton team, with all three points coming through singles matches in a clinical performance.
Christo Popov set the tone in a demanding opening clash against Kodai Naraoka, winning a physically intense match that tested endurance and composure. He later said he expected a long battle given Naraoka’s style of play.
Alex Lanier followed with a composed straight-games win over Yushi Tanaka, pushing France within touching distance of a historic semifinal spot.
The decisive match saw Toma Junior Popov edge past Koki Watanabe in a tense encounter, sealing the tie 21-19, 23-21. Emotional after the victory, he described the win as a historic moment for French badminton, highlighting back-to-back landmark achievements for the team.
France’s semifinal qualification also secured them a first-ever medal in the competition and set up a last-four clash with India national badminton team, who advanced after a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei. India’s campaign has been driven by strong performances from Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, and the doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.
In the other quarterfinal, Denmark secured a 3-1 win over Thailand national badminton team. Anders Antonsen defeated Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a three-game thriller, while doubles pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen added another point.
Thailand briefly revived hopes through Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul’s win, but Denmark’s pairing of Mathias Christiansen and Daniel Lundgaard sealed the tie.
With China national badminton team also progressing, the semifinals now feature a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging challengers, with France’s breakthrough run emerging as one of the standout stories of the tournament.