Badminton: French player Alex Lanier aims for world title after mixed doubles historic win

The World Badminton Championships in New Delhi are reaching a historic moment for French badminton, with Alex Lanier set to compete in the men's singles final. The 21-year-old, currently ranked world No. 9, secured his spot in the final by overcoming a strong challenge from Canada's Victor Lai, ranked world No. 7.

Lanier's path to the final was a hard-fought battle, as he defeated Lai in a three-set match with a score of 16-21, 21-13, 21-14. This victory avenges his earlier defeat to Lai in March at the All England Open, where the Canadian player had won a suspenseful three-set encounter.

Lanier's achievement is part of a significant day for French badminton. Earlier, the mixed doubles pair Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel captured the gold medal, defeating China's Feng and Huang. This victory marks a historic first for France, as they become the first French athletes to win a World Championship title in mixed doubles badminton.

The live coverage is tracking the warm-up of both Lanier and his Japanese opponent, Kodai Naraoka, with the final match expected to begin shortly. The article highlights the anticipation surrounding Lanier's quest for a world title, a significant milestone for French singles play.