Alex Lanier and Christo Popov have ignited French badminton by advancing to the second round of the BWF World Championships in Paris, delivering powerful wins that set the tone for a home‑soil national championship in Caen. Their performances, now ranking Lanier No. 7 and Popov No. 12 worldwide, fuel expectations for podium finishes later this season.
Strong Start at the World Championships
Lanier’s Dominant Victory Over Sugimoto
The 19‑year‑old European champion opened the tournament with a convincing 21‑15, 21‑13 win over Japan’s rising star Kaito Sugimoto. Lanier’s aggressive footwork and powerful smash combinations left his opponent struggling to keep pace, securing a smooth passage to the second round.
Popov’s Tactical Win Over Hidayat
Former world junior No. 1 Christo Popov followed with a strategic 21‑17, 22‑20 triumph against Indonesia’s veteran Shesar Hidayat. Popov’s deft net play and patient shot selection demonstrated maturity beyond his years, marking the first time since 2010 that two French men progressed beyond the opening stage together.
Quarter‑Final Highlights
Popov vs. Jonatan Christie
In a high‑profile duel, Popov faced top‑five BWF player Jonatan Christie. Popov seized the first game 21‑18 with precise clears and incisive drops, but Christie rallied to take the second 21‑13. The deciding game stretched to 31‑29, with Christie edging out Popov in a nail‑biting finish.
Lanier’s Challenge in Malaysia
Earlier in the season, Lanier encountered a setback against Malaysia’s Lee Zheng in a three‑game battle. Despite a strong start, Lanier fell short, highlighting the need for greater consistency at the elite level.
Current World Rankings and Future Outlook
The latest BWF rankings place Lanier at No. 7 and Popov at No. 12, the highest positions ever achieved by French men. France now boasts three players inside the top 15, reflecting the federation’s investment in high‑performance training centres and sports‑science integration. These rankings are crucial for accumulating Olympic qualification points ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Caen 2026 National Championships Preview
The national championships will be staged from 6 to 8 February 2026 at the historic Palais des Sports in Caen. The event will feature senior singles, mixed doubles, and junior categories, providing a platform for domestic rivals to test their form before the next international circuit. Lanier and Popov see the home‑soil competition as a vital step toward securing strong seedings for upcoming World Tour Finals.
Impact on French Badminton
- International credibility: Deep runs at the Worlds have positioned France as a serious contender on the global stage.
- Sponsorship and media attention: High‑viewership matches have attracted interest from potential sponsors eager to associate with rising French stars.
- Talent development: Success at senior level has spurred an 18 % increase in enrollment at the federation’s high‑performance academy.
- Strategic focus: Short‑term goals target Olympic qualification points, while long‑term plans aim to expand the women’s program to match recent men’s achievements.
Looking Ahead
As the BWF World Tour moves to Denmark and India, Lanier will focus on strengthening his backhand defense, a weakness exposed by Lee Zheng, while Popov aims to diversify his serve‑return game after the narrow loss to Christie. With the Caen championships approaching, French fans can anticipate the swift thwack of shuttlecocks and the possibility of France stepping onto the podium at the sport’s most prestigious stages. “We are building a legacy, one shuttle at a time,” Coach Rémy Cagni affirms.
